"MAKE-UP" BOOK— HOW TO "MAKE-UP." A practical guide 
for Amateurs, with Twenty-three Colored Illustrations. Price, 50 cents. 



PS 2919 
.S15 MS 
Copy 1 



No. CCCCXIII 
^'OH'S STANDARD DRAMA 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE 



A GRAND MILITARY PLAY IN FOUR ACTS 



W. ELSWORTH STEDMAN 

Author of '* The Confederate Spy," " The Confidential Clerk," 
" The Yankee Detective," etc., etc. 

TogetJier with Cast of Characters, List of Properties, Description 
of Costumes, and full directions for Acting and Presenting 
the Play, 



SCENE: LOOKOUT VALLEY DUR12^0 THE REBELLION. 

\ 

COPTKIGHT, 1892, BT T. H. Frbnch 



New ■foRK 
T. n. FRENCH 

SUCCESSOR TO 

SAMUEL FRENCH & SON 

publisher 

28 West 23d Street 



London 
SAMUEL FRENCH 

PUBLISHER 

89 STRAND 



MIAKE-XJP BOX. 

_ jntainincr Rnnerp Ppii 
Box 

Camel 

iature Puffs, Scissors and Looking Glas 

Boxes, $4.00 ; Elegant Tin Cases, $.5.00 

THE ABOVE ARTICLES TO BE HAD SEPARATELY. 



packed nt'atly in Strong Fancy Card-board 
For Prioea, see O^talogne. 



FBENCH S DESCRIPTIVE LIST. 



SCENEHY. 




With a view to obviate the great difiBciilty experienced by Amateurs (particularly in 
country houses) in obtaining Scenery, &c., to fix in a Drawing Room, and then only 
by considerable outlay for hire and great damage caused to walls, we have decided to 
keep a series of Scenes, &c., colored on strong paper, which can be joined together 
or pasted on canvas or wood, according to requirement. Full directions, with dia- 
grams showing exact size of Back Scenes, Borders, and Wings, can be had free on 
•pplicatiou. The following four scenes consist each of thirty sheets of paper. 

GARDEN. 

The above is an illustration of this scene. It is kept in two sizes. The size of th« 
back scene of the smaller one is 10 feet long and 6}^ f^et high, and extends, with tha 
wings and border, to 15 feet long and 8 feet high. The back scene of the large one 
is 13 feet long and 9 feet high, and extends, with the wings and border, to 20 feet 
long and 11^ feet high. It is not necessai-y to have the scene the height of the room, 
as blue paper to represent sky is usually hung at the top. Small size, with Wings and 
Border complete, $7.50 ; large size, do., $10.00. 



WOOD. 

This is similar in style to the above, only a wood ecene is introduced in the centre. 
It is kept in two sizes, as the previous scene, and blue paper can be Introduced as be* 
fore indicated. Small size, with Wings and Borders complete, $7.60 ; large size, do., 
$10.00. 

FOLiIAG-C — This is a Bheet of paper on which foliage is drawn, which can b« 
repeated and cut in any shape required. Small size, 30 in. by 20 in., 25 cts. per sheet; 
large size, 40 in. by 30 in., 35 cts. per sheet. 

TREK TRUNK.— This is to be used with the foliage sheeta and placed at th« 
bottom of the scene. — Price and size same as foliage. 



DRAWING ROOM. 

This Bcene is only kept in the large size. The back scene is 13 feet long and 9 feet 
high, and extends, with the wings and borders, to 20 feet long and ll>jf feet high. 
In the centre is a French window, leading down to the ground, which could be made 
practicable if required. On the left wing is a fireplace with mirror above, and on tha 
right wing is an oil painting. The whole scene is tiistefuUy ornamented and beauti- 
ftSly colored, forming a most elegant picture. Should a box scene be required 
extra wings can be had, consisting of doors each side, which could be made practicable. 
Price, with Border and one set of Wings, $10.00 ; with Border and two sets of Wing% 
to form box scene, $1S.50. 

COTTAGE INTERIOR. 

This is also kept in the large size only. In the centre is a door leading outside. On 
the left centre is a rustic fireplace, and the right centre is a window. On the wings are 
painted shelve?, &c., to complete the scene. A box scene can be made by purchasing 
extra wings, as before described, and forming doors on each side. Price, with Border 
end one set of Wings, $10.00 ; with Border and two sets of Wings, to form box scene, 
$12.50. 

The above Scenes, mounted, can be seen at 28 West 23d St., 
ITew York. Full directions accompany each Scene. 



TheMidnightChaege 



W. ELS WORTH STEDMAN 

Author of "The Confederate Spy," "The Confidential Clerk, 
"The Yankee Detective," etc., etc. 



H 



Together with Cast of Characters, List of Properties, 
Description of Costumes, and full directions for 
Acting and Presenting the Play 



SCENE: LOOKOUT VALLEY DURING THE REBELLION 



Copyright 1892, bt T. H. French 



Ne-w York 
T. H. FRENCH 

SUCCESSOR TO 

SAMUEL FRENCH & SON 

publisher 

28 West 23d Street 



London V^/3 ^X ^ 



SAMUEL FRENCH 

FUBLISHKR 

89 STRAND 




fS^I'l 



.s 



SIMS 



AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 



In writing and arranging this military play, it has been the 
aim of the author to place before the people a drama purely 
moral in its character and language, entertaining in plot and de- 
tail, and with that pure humor to which none can take exception. 
The play is so arranged that it may be rendered on a small 
stage, with only a few actors, with pleasing effect. The gen- 
eral's horse, brass baud, marching soldiers, and even the quar- 
tette may be omitted without affecting the plot, or it may be 
played in full on a large scale, using any amount of people in 
the make-up. The scene and events mentioned in the dialogue 
are all correct war history, even to dates, and are backed by 
the best histories of the late rebellion, and many old soldiers, 
when witnessing its rendition, will recall to mind the events 
mentioned. There are few places at the present day which do 
not possess good materiaLfor a male quartette, and the simple 
addition of song in any play gives renewed vigor to its make- 
up. The songs written for the Pumpkin Blossom Club are in 
keeping with slavery days, and may l^e sung to almost any of 
the old war tunes used by the colored people of that day, or if 
a good quartette is not at hand, it may be omitted without in- 
terfering with the plot. Hoping our efforts may meet the 
wants of the G. A. R. and the public in general, we are, 

Yours truly, 

The Author. 



/Z'^ffto 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Major-General Geary, U. S. A. 

Colonel Jones, U. S. A. 

Captain Danvers (victim of a vile plot). 

Dick Ryon (a Southern spy). 

Pat OHarra (a bright lad from the bogs). 

Jumbo (leader ob dePunkin Blossom Club). 

Charley Wood (a young but enthusiastic Unionist) 

Grace Wood (pride of the valley). 

Mrs. Wood (her mother). 

Sister Alice (friend of the suffering). 

Soldiers, Musicians, Singers, etc. 

Time of playing, two hours and thirty minutes. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



Costumes — Modern. 



Soldiers in appropriate uniform, according to their rank. 
Character of George Webb, dress of an old planter — high top 
boots, seedy coat, wide-rimmed hat, full gray beard and wig. 
Ladies in ordinary home dresses, except Sister Alice, who 
should dress in character of a Sister of Charity, with white 
band over her forehead, etc. ; if she will wear blue glasses it 
will make the change all the more complete when she throws 
If disguise in last act. 

Bill op Play. 

Act I. — Temporary headquarters of General Geary in an old 
abandoned blacksmith-shop, at Wauhatchie, Tenn., after the 
midnight charge. The general makes the acquaintance of 
Dick Ryon, the Southern spy, alias Lawrence De Witt, a 
traitor in blue. Charley Wood visits headquarters. Captain 
Dunvers wounded. March of the Boys in Blue. Ryon happy. 
News from Washington. Jumbo comes out to see the Yanks, 
" What massa say hab horns on dere heads." Serenade by 
" dc Punkin Blossom Club." Jumbo gets a bad scare. Sister 
Alice secures a position as nurse at the hospital. News from 
Hooker. Shoeing the general's horse. Grand anvil chorus. 

Act II. — Home of Mrs. Wood. The wounded captain. 
Troubles of war. Jumbo and his chickens. " I'ze do leader 
ob de Punkin Blossom Club." Charley gets excited. Captain 
Danvers has a battle with Cupid. The latter victorious. Love 
and bombshells. Ryon's desperate game. The midnight as- 
sassin. Good news. " Father and brother are coming home." 
Jollification. Pat scores a point. Captured with a whiskey- 
bottle. Sister Alice gives the midnight marauder a warm wel- 
come. Go before it's too late. 

Picture. 

Act III. — Lookout Valley. Council of war. Good news 
from the spy. George Webb. Jumbo visits his old master's 
cellar and hen-roost. "Bacon am comin' down." Map of 
Bragg's location. Ryon and Pat have a slight misunderstand- 
ing. "You Irish devil, take that for your impudence." Pat 
retaliates. Ryon in a bad boat. Knowledge is power. George 
Webb becomes the victim of a designing devil. Stabbed in the 
back. Charley Wood an unwilling witness. "Mother." 
Captain Danvers in the toils. That tell-tale knife. Grace Wood 
and her lover. " The whole world cannot make me believe you 
guilty." A hard blow. The captain in despair. 

Act IV. — Court-martialled. Drill of the " Punkins." Pat 
and his nose. Jumbo as a drill-master. " We'ze in de line ob 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. O 

battle." General Geary as judge. The fatal letter. Con- 
demned. Ryon tells Ms story. The champion liar of '63. 
Arrival of Grace Wood. Ryon gets uneasy. That packet of 
old letters. "Compare them, general." The tables turned. 
Arrival of the dirty boy. Charley tells his story. Ryon cor- 
nered. Jumbo and his big rope. Sister Alice gives Ryon a 
bit of friendly advice. Captain Danvers saved by the girl he 
left behind him. Mother's hungry boy. Ryon in the soup. 
Home for supper. Happy denouement. Good-night. 

List op Properties. 

Act I. — Pine table and camp-stools, box for Jumbo to sit on 
in First Act, sword on table, horseshoes, anvil and blacksmith 
tools, large fly brush, pistol for Pat, map, letters for general. 

Act II. — Piano-cover with cord draped on corner, or if no 
piano is used, the cord and tassels should be used on fancy 
chair or picture easel, whiskey-bottle for Pat, knife and letter 
for Ryon, basket for Jumbo, sling for Captain Danvers's arm, 
pistol for Ryon's hip-pocket. * 

Act hi. — Field-glass for Ryon, tablet for general, pistol 
for Pat, also cartridge, stretcher, letter for Webb, knife for 
Ryon. 

Act IV. — Letter for general, package of letters for Grace, 
large rope for Jumbo, letter for Charley, red sponge for Pat's 
nose. 

Stage Directions. 

R. means right — the actor facing the audience ; L., left ; C, 
centre ; R. C, right centre ; R. U. E., right upper entrance; 
L. U. E., left upper entrance, etc. L. 1st E., Left first entrance, 
nearest to the foot-lights ; R. 1st E., opposite, etc. Coming 
down, means coming to front of stage. Going up, means 
back part of stage, etc. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



ACT I. 

SC'E'KEl.— Interior Tuw of an old hhchmith-shop {temporary 
headquarters of General Geary) ; anvil, c. ; ^;a^e«^ joor- 
tdble forge, r. c. ; hammers, tongs, horseshoes, etc., lying 
around; lath-tub near forge ; large hair fly -brush on r. 
wing ; large window at back, shoicing camp scene in the dis- 
tance ; walls and tcings painted to represent horseshoes on 
pegs; tools of different kinds hung on icall, etc. As cur- 
tain rises. General Geary sits left of large table, standing 
back, c, looking at map, lohich he has spread on table. Col- 
onel Jones sits on an old dry-goods box right of table. Pat 
O'Harra rolled up in blanket, on floor, back of Colonel 
Jones, and close to back scene. Orderly and generaVs staff 
{any number) sitting around on camp-stools, r. and l. 

General Geary. Gentlemen, the midniglit charge of the 
enemy last night wa.s the most complete surprise to our sol- 
diers that we have ever witnessed. 

Colonel Jones. I think our boys did well, notwithstand- 
ing they were very tired from yesterday's long march, and 
were sleeping soundly at the time of the surprise. 

Gen. G. They acted nobly, and I guess the Confederates 
thought they had awakened the wrong men. 

Col. J. The Seventy-third Ohio and Thirty-third Massa- 
chusetts had a hard fight, and dislodged the enemy from their 
works, on the second hill, toward Brown's Ferry. 

Gen. G. Yes; so I understand. The enemy withdrew from 
battle with us as soon as the skirmish commenced on the hill. 

Col. J. They were afraid of being cut off from recrossing 
the river. 

Gen. G. Who was the scout that gave you the information 
regarding the movement of the enemy ? 

Col. J. I do not now remember his name ; I have it at my 
quarters. He was one of the survivors at the battle of Gettys- 
burg. He was captui'ed by the enemy, but managed, a few 
days later, to escape, and worked his way back to our lines. 
He tells me that he came to our brigade just as we were tak- 
ing the train at Manassas Junction. He has been with us ever 
since, though I don't remember seeing him imtil we were at 
Bridgeport. He reported to me on the 30th of September, and 



O THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

asked to remain with us till he could have an opportunity cf 
joining his OAvn regiment. 

Gen. G. How did you chance to use him as a scout ? 

Col. J. He informed me that he had been doing spy work 
most of the time for the last twelve months, and he offered to 
cross Lookout Creek and ascertain the force of the enemy, 
which I commissioned him to do, and I must say he played 
one of the cleverest tricks on the Johnnies that I have seen for 
many a day. He disguised as an old negress, and actually 
walked straight into the enemy's lines with her basket of yams 
on her head, and not a question asked, and came back the 
same way. 

Gen. G. "Where is the fellow ? 

Col. J. He is about camp somewhere. I will look for him 
if you wish. 

Gen. G. Have you learned whether Webb has returned yet ? 

Col. J. Do you refer to the spy who stops wdth Captain 
Bookwalter's command ? 

Gen. G. Yes ; his name is George Webb. 

CoL. J. I never knew his name; the boys call him " Scotty" 
for short. Yes. sir; he returned from Knoxville all right, and 
Captain Book waiter sent him away on some other mission just 
before their fight on the hill last night. 

Gen. G. I wish you would send a messenger to Bookwalter 
and ascertain if the scout has returned. 

Col. J. Is it possible, general, that you haven't heard of 
Captain Bookwalter's death ? 

Gen. G. {astonished). Dead ! My God, no ! I saw him only 
last night at ten o'clock. 

Col. J. It's too true, general. The captain was wounded in 
the first charge, while leading his men to battle, and died be- 
fore daylight this morning. 

Gen. G. And the nation has lost one of her bravest and 
noblest sons. {To staff.) Gentlemen, you may as well try and 
get some sleep ; if you are needed I will send for you. {Staff 
all salute and exit, l. c. Colonel Jones, 07-te orderly, and 
Pat [loho is rolled up in blanket] remain.) I hope nothing has 
happened to Webb ; he is a brave fellow, and we should hardly 
know how to fill his place. Yes, colonel, you may find the 
new man and bring him here. (Colonel Jones salutes and 
retires, l. c.) 

{Voice heard outside.) Colonel Jones, here is a lad who re- 
ported at the picket line that he wished to speak with General 
Geary. 

CoL. J. {oxitside). What do you want, young man ? 

Charley Wood {outside). Please, sir, may I speak with 
General Geary ? 

Col. J. Have you anything of importance to say to the 
general ? 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 9 

Gen. G. Colonel, let the boy enter. 

Enter Charley, l. c, and removes cap. 

Gen. G. Well, my lad, what is it ? 

Chas. Sir, there's a wounded Union officer at our house, and 
he sent me to ask you for an ambulance and surgeon. 

Gen. G. Did he oive his name ? 

Chas. Yes, sir; Captain Danvers. 

Gen. G. (surprised). Captain Danvers! Yes, yes, my boy; 
the ambulance and attendance will go at once. {To orderly.) 
Ste that Surgeon Copeland with an ambulance are ready, and 
await further orders from me. {Orderly salutes and exits, 
L. c.) Where do you live, my boy ? 

Chas. About one mile the other side of Wauhatchie. 

Gen. G. In the yellow cottage on the hill ? 

Chas. Yes, sir. 

Gen. G. I supposed a Southern family were living there. 

Chas. My father and brother are both in the Southern army, 
sir, from necessity, notivora. choice. My mother and sister are 
Unionists at heart, but it is worth our lives to mention it 
openly. . 

Gen. G. Supposing your neighbors should know of your 
jieople favoring our wounded soldiers, and of your coming here. 

CiiAS. There are only two between our home and this place 
who know me, and I frequently pass there on my way to town. 

Gen. G. You are a brave lad, and I wish you and your peo- 
l)le were North, away from this trouble. 

Chas. The people at the North, sir, know very little of the 
hardships and privations endured by us here in the South, 

Gen. G. Your language doesn't indicate that you were 
Southern born. 

Chas. No, sir; I was born in Ohio, where we lived until I 
was about eight years of age. Then my parents came South, 
and left me with my grandfather, who died in 1858, when I 
joined my people here. 

Gen. 6. My boy, you are surrounded by your native country- 
men. The Seventy-third Ohio Infantry are camping on one of 
the hills, about two miles this side of Brown's Ferry. 

Enter Colonel Jones, followed hy James Ryon, the Southern 

Spy. 

Chas. (^oRyon). Good-morning, Mr. Ryon; I am surprised to 
see you here. (Ryon places hisjingers to lips.) Oh, excuse me, 
sir; I thought you were an old friend of our family! 

Ryon. Then you are mistaken. I never saw you before. 

CoL. .J. General, this is Mr. De Witt — the man you wished to 
see. 

Gen. G. Be seated, Mr. De Witt. Colonel, take this lad to 



10 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Surgeon Copeland, and let him ride home in the ambulance. 
Tell the surgeon to go to the house where the boy will direct, 
and bring Captain Danvers to the hospital. 

Col. J. What! Is the captain hurt ? 

Gen. G. Yes ; wounded in last night's engagement. Is he 
badly hurt, my lad ? 

Chas. I couldn't say how serious it may be, sir. I think he 
said it was done by a bullet which passed through his arm be- 
low the elbow. He bled pretty bad. Mother and sister have 
bandaged his wounds as best they can. 

Gen. G. You may come in camp again if you like. {Giving 
card.) This will pass you inside the lines at any time. 

Chas. {taking card). Oh, thank you, sir! I shall be glad to 
come often. [Follmcs Colonel Jones o^^t, l. c. 

Gen. G. {to Ryon). Are you the man who Colonel Jones sent 
into the enemy's lines yesterday ? 

Ey. Yes, sir. 

Gen. G. How did you form the erroneous opinion that their 
forces were so light ? 

Ry. I loitered around, and heard some officers talking to the 
effect that they could not stand an attack imtil re-enforcements 
arrived, as Longstreet was about leaving for Knoxville with 
twenty thousand men, and also that they were short on am- 
munition and rations. 

Gen. G. All of which proved quite to the contrary at last 
night's battle. 

Ry. General, I did the best I could under the existing circum- 
stances and in the limited space of time allotted me. I was 
very much surprised myself when the attack was made. I did 
not think they would dare venture over the river. 

Gen. G. I do not attach any blame to you. I realize it is a 
hazardous place to fill, and we can't expect a fellow to be suc- 
cessful every time. Where do you belong ? 

Ry. I did belong to the First Corps, under General Rey- 
nolds. I was taken prisoner at Gettysburg on the first day of 
July, about ten minutes after our general was killed. I es- 
caped from the rebs a few days later, and wandered about, try- 
ing to get out of the country unobserved, when luckily I came 
upon the camp of the Seventy-third Ohio, and came on the 
train with them. 

Gen. G. You have served as a scout, I understand. 

Ry. I have served as a spy for about a year and a half. 

Gen. G. By order of Reynolds ? 

Ry. Yes, sir ; under his personal instructions. 

Gen. G We want a trustworthy man of your stamp. Would 
you mind remaining with us and do secret work ? 

Ry. I would prefer to get permit from my superiors first, 
but will gladly serve you until I can communicate with them. 

Gen. G. {taking 2^en and paper). What is your name ? 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 11 

Ry. Lawrence De Witt, sir. 

Gen. G. What was your company ? 

Ry. I was of General Reynolds's staflf, sir. 

Gen. G. I will communicate with the corps, and get permit 
for your transfer to us. By the way, did you know the lad 
who was present when you came in ? 

Ry. No, sir ; I did not. May I ask where he came from ? 

Gen. G. He lives near hear. 

A distant drum heard heating march time, which must he very low 
at first and gradually sound louder, as if coming near. 

Ry. Do I understand right, that you have a wounded Union 
officer stopping there ? 

Gen, G. Only since last night. We have just sent the am- 
bulance for him. By the way, De Witt, do you know the lay 
of the land around here at all ? 

Ry. Not very thoroughly, but I am not easily lost when I 
once get my bearings. 

Gen. G. {rising and taking newspaper from pockety. I wish to 
inspect this regiment. Here is some late news from Washing- 
ton that will interest you till my return. I wish to talk with 
you further on the subject. {Gives paper ?) 

Ry. Very well, sir; I will wait here till your return. 

[General Geary exits, l. e. 

Ry. {aside). Thanks awfully, General Geary. You couldn\ 
do me a greater favor than to give me these papers. I shall be 
able to report to General Bragg how matters are getting on in 
Washington. {Lights a cigar, jjuts his feet on table, and proceeds 
to take life easy while he looks at jmper. The drum should soon come 
to its highest pitch, and the tramj) of marching men should he heard 
outside; voice of officer heard giving commands.) Halt! {Brum 
and noise stop.) Battalion, left face ! Present arms 1 Order 
arms ! Parade ! Rest ! 

Gen. G. {lieard outside). Good-morning, colonel. 

Officer. Good-morning, general. 

Gen. G. Your men show the want of rest ; I will walk down 
to camp with you. There is a fine plot of ground just below 
here that will make a good place to bivouac. 

Officer. Attention, battalion ! Shoulder arms ! Right 
face ! Forward, march ! {Drum heats march time or hand plays ; 
soldiers pass the hack large tcindow in military march, l. to r. By 
a little quick and skilful manoeuvring a few soldiers, with muskets, 
can represent a whole hrigade. As soon as the head ones have passed 
the window, let them hurry quickly around, hack of the scenes, and 
fall in again. The hand can recross if wished, though it would he 
well to change hats and coats, if possible, and j)l.ay a different 
piece of music A flag could be carried across, and after a proper 



12 THE MIDKIGHT CHARGE. 

intei'val one of a different style, etc. This part can he made very 
effective if great care and dexterity are used in producing it.) 

Ry. {lays dotcn paper ; takes note-hooh and pencil from pocket, 
and stands Reside windoic, as if talcing notes on the passing col- 
umn). Ahem! wouldn't General Geary look -wild if he knew 
he had left his headquarters to the watchful care of Dick 
Ryon, the Southern spy ? Talk about Yankee shrewdness ! 
As a class they are as dumb as oysters. Catch one of our Con- 
federate generals walking demurely off, leaving his head- 
quarters in charge of an entire stranger. {Sitting.) But then 
that is my good luck; if he were more careful I wouldn't find 
it as good picking here. {Last soldier passes the window, and 
music dies away in distance. After all is quiet, a quartette vf 
colored singers are lieard outside in song and chorus.) 

Rt. {listening). Another country heard from. {Beads paper 
till end of song.) 

Enter Jumbo, l. c. ; makes a low how. 

Jumbo. Am I 'trudin', sah ? 

Ry. What do you want ? 

JuM. Did yo' heah de music, sah ? 

Ry. Music ! What music do you mean ? 

JuM. Yah! yah! Sho now, massa, didn't ye heah de Pun- 
kin Blossom Club singing at ye ? 

Ry. No, I didn't. What do you want, anyway ? 

JuM. We jes' come out to see de Lincum sojers, what massa 
say hab hons on dar heads. Am yo' one ob dem fellahs ? 

Ry. Do I look like I have horns, you black rascal ? Get out 
of heie. 

JuM. Didn't mean no kind ob harm, boss ; I swar to good- 
ness I didn't. 

Ry. Why are you in here ? 

JuM. Am yo' de digadeer brindle ? 

Ry. The what ? 

JuM. De boss ob dis yer gang ob sojers ? 

Ry. This is General Geary's headquarters for to-day. Why ? 

JuM. I want to spoke wid de boss. Am dat yo' ? 

Ry. No ; General Geary is out, and you had better get out 
before he returns. 

JuM. Kaze why ? 

Ry. {pointing to L. c). Do you see that door ? 

JuM. {hacking to door). Yas, sah. Maybe yo' don't know 
who yo'ze spokin' at; does ye, white man? 

Ry. Well, who are you ? 

JuM. I'ze de head spokeman ob de Punkin Blossom Club, 
sah; an' I know who yo' is, too. 

Ry. The devil you do ! 

JuM. Yas, sah. Yo'ze one ob dem fellahs what I used to 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 13 

drihe in de cotton field; doy hab long ears an' talk like dis 
yere. (Puts his hands vp hy his head in imitation of ears, and 
brays like a donkey. Ryon j^i^ks up a camp-stool to throw, and 
Jumbo dodges out, l. c.) 

Gen. G. {heard outside). Great heavens, man, can't you see 
where you are going ? 

JiTM. {outside). Fo' de good Lawd sake, massa, I didn't 
mean to run agin' ye. Swar to goodness gracious I didn't. 

Gen. G. What were you doing in there ? 

Juii. I jes' went in to see de boss ; dat's all. 

Gen. G. What do you want ? 

JuM. Me an' de oder coons what belong to de Punkin 
Blossom Club, we stealed away au' come to see de Lincum 
sojers. Am yo' de gineril ? 

Gen. G. I am General Geary. Why ? 

JuJi. Doan yo' want er niggah ? 

Gen. G. {entering). No ; we have more colored people now 
than we can manage. 

JuM. {following him in). Say, gineril, I'ze de coon what can 
do moah work dan any niggah in dis yer town. 

Gen. G. What can you do ? 

JuM. Tote de wood an' wattah, an' cook, an' — an' take care 
ob de hoss, an' shine yo' boots, an' — an' — 

Gen. G. {interrupting him). Lie and steal. 

JcM. No, sah; I nebber tole a lie in my life or stealed a 
chicken. But say, boss, I know whar dar am some nice 
chickins roostin'. 

Gen. G. How did you get inside the lines ? 

JuM. De which ? 

Gen. G. The picket lines. 

JuM. Didn't done seed any picket lines, gineril. We seed a 
lot ob sojers comin' dis yar way, so we jist jined on de hind 
end an' come along; dat's all. 

Gen. G. Who do you mean by " we "? Are there more than 
you ? 

JuM. Yas, sah ; four oder coons ob de Punkin Blossom 
Club. 

Gen. G. Were are they ? 

JuM. Do' know, boss ; guess dey am gone to git situations. 

Gen. G. What do you mean ? 

JuM. Oh, we'ze all gwan tcr stay wid Massa Lincum's sojers 
if dey doan dribe us away. Say, gineril, wish you'd keep dis 
yar chile. 

Gen. G. I had one fellow of your stripe, and he got to be 
such a liar that I turned him out. 

JuM. I clar to goodness, boss, I nebber will pesticate yo' dat 
way. 

Gen. G. I haven't time to talk with you now. Come back 
in half an hour. 



14 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

JuM. Yas, sah. {Makes a iowhoio and exits, t,. c.) 

Gen. G. {to Ryon). Do you think, Mr. DeWitt, that you 
can make the trip to Chattanooga and take a message to Gen- 
eral Thomas, and after that enter the lines of Bragg's army and 
ascertain the eyact position and number of his men ? 

Ry. It's a risky piece of business, sir, but I'll try it. 

Gen. G. I will write a note to Thomas. ( Talces pen and 
paper and writes note, Ryon reads paper while Genekal 
Geaky writes.) 

Enter orderly, L. c, with letter, which he hands to General 
Geary, who reads and lays on table. 

Gen. G. {to orderly). Tell General Grant his orders will be 
promptly obeyed. {Orderly salutes and exits, l. c. General. 
Geary /oMs letter and hands to Ryon.) 

Gen. G. Deliver that letter to General Thomas in person. He 
will give you a pass to go in and out of his lines, and as you 
return from the enemy's lines report to General Thomas what 
you have learned, then come to me. 

Ry. Will you be here when I return ? 

Gen. G. I have just received orders from General Grant to 
remain here and hold our position in the valley. So we shall 
be here when you return, unless driven out by the enemy. 

Ry. I will set out at once. 

Gen. G. It will not be necessary to inform you that your task 
is a hazardous one, and that the greatest caution must be exer- 
cised. 

Ry. I have already learned that lesson by sad experience. 

[Exits, L. c. 

Enter Colonel Jones, l. c. 

Col. J. {salutes). General, there's a lady outside who wishes 
to speak with. you. 

Gen. G. Show the lady in, colonel. 
Colonel Jones exits, l. c, and returns loith Sister Alice, 

dressed as a Sister of Charity. Colonel Jones exits again. 

Gen. G. {lifting his hat). Please be seated, madam. These 
are not very inviting apartments for a lady, but you are wel- 
come. 

Sister Alice. No apology is necessary, general. I came to 
offer my services in caring for the sick and wounded. Are you 
in need of any assistance at the hospitals ? 

Gen. G. Yes, madam ; we are very much in need of female 
nurses. But are you fully aware of the hardships one must 
undergo in such, a capacity ? 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 15 

Sister A. I understand, sir. 

Gen. G. {tahing notes). May I inquire your name and residence ? 

Sister A. Of late I have been residing in Chattanooga, 
where I am known as Sister Alice. 

Gen. G. General Thomas would probably have been glad of 
your services, and he is now in Chattanooga. 

Sister A. His hospitals are well provided with good nurses, 
several of whom are women. I thought perhaps I could be of 
more service here. 

Gen. G. You are a brave little woman, and I assure you we 
shall appreciate your kind assistance. When will you enter on 
your new duties ? 

Sister A. At once, if you please. 

Gen. G. Very well; I will accompany you to the division 
hospital and introduce you to the surgeons, and after a few 
weeks' trial, if you like the situation, you will be duly enrolled 
as hospital nurse. 

Sister A. Thank you, general ; I will try and prove myself 
trustAvorthy. 

Enter Colonel Jones, l. c. 

Col. J. General, Surgeon Copelaud sends word that Captain 
Danvers is not in condition to be moved, and suggests that a 
nurse be detailed to care for him where he is for a few days. 

Gen. G. Say to Surgeon Copeland that I will ride over in a 
few minutes and bring a nurse with me. (Colonel Jones salutes 
and exits, l. c.) Sister Alice, have you had any previous expe- 
rience in this work ? 

Sister A. No, sir ; but I think I can make myself useful. I 
can at least obey orders. 

Gen. G. We have a badly wounded officer stopping at a 
private house. Would you object to going there ? 

Sister A. Certainly not; I will go wherever I may be of 
service to the suffering. May I ask at whose house he is 
stopping ? I am slightly acquainted in Wauhatchie. 

Gen. G. Their name is Wood. Do you know them ? 

Sister A. I — I have — have heard the name before. 

Gen. G. We will drive over there. [Both exit, l. c. 

Jumbo (heard outside). Gineril, am dat half hour up ? 

Gen. G. Go inside and stay till my return. 

Enter Jumbo, l. c, tcith large carpet-bag and ianjo or guitar. 
Lays instrument on taUe, and throws hag under table, then 
comes down. 

JuM. By golly, dis yar nigga'.iam a Yankee now! I'ze gwan 



i(i THK MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

wid Massa Geary an' help fo' ter liberate de oder coons. 
{LooMng round.) By golly, I wonder what fo' de gineril move 
his family in dis yar ole shop for ! {Spies sioord lying on table, 
and picks it iijh) Dar am one ob dcm Yankee toof picks. 
(Takes sword from scahhard and tries to piclc Ids teeth icith it., then 
holds it up and tries to give a descriptive lecture of it.) Ladies 
an' gemen, I'zehearn tell obdat ole shord befoah. Dat am de 
same ole cheese knife dat George Washingham used in de Eet- 
ributionary War. It war made out ob an ole plowshar at 
Mistah Valley's forge. De hammers an' tongs had been all 
stoled away by de Barber Frichie, so Massa George had ter 
poun' out de hot iron wid de back ob his leetle hatchet. Once 
he made a big mistake an' hit wid de wrong side, an' dat's 
what make dem knick in dis ole corn cuttah. Dey say de 
Yankee hossifers am mighty handy wid a shord. When dey 
hab em up dis way (brandishes sword above head), dey can 
cut dar way fro a cyclone, an' when dey hab em by dar sides, 
like dis yar (holds sword by his side), dey can cut a swell. 
(Struts across stage.) Ladies an' gemen, dis ain't de same 
shord dat David use when he kill de Liah, kaze dat war a 
stun ; but dis ole blade hab cut off moah chickins' heads, an' 
killed more yeller dorgs dan eber war born. Dis am de same 
ole shord dat war used by Ephreham Allen when he walk right 
inter Fort Tyconderado wid his dorg an' gun an' two oder 
coons, an' said ter de boss cook (loudly), I deman' de suspen- 
der ob dis plantation in de name ob great guns an' de continu- 
al (stopjs to think, and scratches his head) — continual House ob 
Correction. (Holds up sheath.) Now, my deluded hearers, I 
will gib you de history ob dis yar. It am ter hold de aforesaid 
shord. (Lays sword on table, and taking banjo, sits on box close in 
front of Pat, near his head, so that he, Pat, may be able to fire 
pistol -without moving.) Guess I'll try an"joy myself tillde boss 
arribe. (Plays and sifigs some favorite melody, and at end of last 
verse V Arc fires a 2nstol directly underbox where Jumbo sits. Jumbo 
yells loudly and springs high in air, while Pat rolls out of hlaiiket 
to centre of floor, then springs quickly up and jumps around, as if 
about to fight. Jumbo drops on both knees and shakes with fright. 
If he has on a movable fright tcig, so much the better.) 

Pat. Ye haythen Choineze nagur, phere did the loikes av ye 
come from ? 

JuM. Say — say, massa, I clar to goodness Inebber did see yo' 
befo'. 

Pat. Phat in the name av Saint Pathrick de ye want around 
here, ony way, raisin' sich a halabaloo when a respectable Irish- 
man wants to shlape ? Bedad, av ye'U wait whoile Oi get me 
auld gun Oi'll blow yer two black eyes intil wan. {Exits, l. c. 

JuM. (rising quickly). By golly, dat am a insult to de Punkin 
Blossom Club ! Now, dat ole hibernicum snoozer am gone ter 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 17 

git his gun ter kill a niggiili. Now, you 'spoze I'ze 'fraid ob 
dat fellah ? No, sail. {Plcka up pistol from behind box and looks 
into muzzle.) By golly, dat fell'ah am a dead Yankee! {'Takes 
position beside doo)% l. c.) Jes' let dat ole snoozer come in dar 
now. (Listens.) I heah 'im comiu'. 



Enter Colonel Jones, l. c. Jumbo quicMy sticks pistol under 
colonel's nose and calls loudly. 



JuM. Drop dat gun, you ole debil, kaze I'ze gwan ter shute. 

Col. J. {springing to centre of room and drawing pistol). You 
bla.sted nigger, what do you mean ? 

Jd.m. {failing on knees). Oh, Lawd, massa, I done took yo' 
fo' dat hibernicum what's been pesticating dis yar chile. I 
didn't mean no kind ob harm, boss. 

Col. J. Get up and out of this, you black imp; and if I 
catch you here again I'll break every bone in your body. 

JuM. Massa, Gineril Geary said I war ter stay heah till he 
come back. 

CoL. J. (taking him by collar). Get out of this. (Shoves him 
out, L. c.) 

JuM. {heard outside). Say, boss, do yo' know I'ze de leader 
ob de Punkin Blossom Club ? 

Col. J. (cuUi/ig after him). Well, if you come in here again, 
you'll get a club of a different kind. {Sits at table with back to 
L. and proceeds to write. ) 

Pat, after a pause, enters quickly with gun and fixed bayonet, 
■ic ith which he proceeds to prod tlie colonel in the back. 

Pat. Git outen this now, ye black divil. Oi'll learn ye to be 
breakin' av me shlumbers. 

CoL. J. (grasps st€oj-d from table and springs up quickly). What 
in the name of Satan are you prodding me with that bayonet 
for ? (Raising sword.) I've a mind to cut you wide open, you 
Irish fool. 

Pat. Oi beg yez pardon, sor, a thousand toimes. I thot ye 
were thot ither nagur phat's been botherin' the loife out av me. 

Col. J. (feeling of his back). You blasted idiot, haven't you 
any eyes in your head ? I ought to give you a sound thrashing. 

Pat. Be the days av Saint Pathrick, sir, Oi meant no harum. 

Col. J. Go outside, sir, and stand guard till relieved by 
me. (Pat brings gun to shoulder arms, and saluting Colonel 
Jones, marches out in military style. Colonel Jones sits at 
table, and proceeds to write as before.) 



18 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Enter General Geary and staffs l. c. ; men sit or stand at 

will. 

Gen. G. Those rebels on Point Lookout are terribly annoy- 
ing to our army and moving trains in the valley. I wish there 
was some way to dislodge them. 



Enter Pat, l. c, with letter, which he hands to General 
Geary. 

Pat. Gineril, an' ortherly on astride av a yaller hoss gav' 
thot same til me, an' said Oi shud bring it til yer highness. 

Gen. G. (opens letter and reads aloud). 

General Geary: Please come to my headquarters as soon 
as possible on receipt of this. Hooker. 

Gen. G. {to Pat). Patrick, get my horse at once. 

Pat. But, sor, your hoss have lost a shoe from his fut. 

Gen. G. Lost a shoe! Well, sir, why haven't you had it 
replaced ? 

Pat. Bedad, sor, the smiths are still in the rear an' haven't 
arriv yet. 

Gen. G. Well, that is great ! What am I to do ? 

JuM. {sticlcing his head in, l. c). Say dar, gineril, I can shoe 
dat horse. 

Gen. G. You ! Did you ever shoe a horse ? 

JuM. {coming bi). Yas, sah; an' mule, too. 

Gen. G. Well, I don't want to trust you. 

Col. J. General, I have a man who can help you out of this 
trouble. Shall I bring him ? 

Gen. G. Yes, colonel, at once. (Colonel Jones exits, l. c.) 
Patrick, bring my horse. 

Pat. ThotOi will, sor. [Exits, L. c. 

JuM. {tahing down horse-hair irush). Gineril, I can keep away 
de blue tail fly. Say, gineril, de Punkin Blossom Club am 
out heah ; can dey come in an' sing fo' yo' ? 

Gen. G. Yes ; bring in your club. [Jumbo exits, l. c. 

Enter Pat, l. c, with the horse, followed hy Jumbo and quar- 
tette of colored singers, who form in line on either side of 
anvil and sing anvil chor^is. The ttco singers farthest 
from anvil should each have' two steel horseshoes, which 
they clinh together in unison with the other two singers, who 
each stride on anvil with hammers. The anvil and horse- 
shoe chorus are to ie used in chorus of song as marked hy 
stars. After song is nearly done. Colonel Jones enters, 
L. c, with jierson who is to do shoeing. A stage-whispered 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 19 

consultation takes place between them and General, Geary, 
when the man proceeds to shoe horse. Curtain may go down 
at end of song, or may remain zip till horse is shod. 



SONG AND CHORUS BY PUNKIN BLOSSOM CLUB. 

Ole massa say dat de Yankees hab hons, 

But we doan belebe it. [Basso repeats, No, we doan belebe it. 

An' dat day will steal all yo' taters an' corn, 

But we doan oelebe it. [Basso repeats, etc. 

So we runed away an' come down ter de camp. 
An' we'ze gwan tei" trabil along wid Gineril Grant ; 
So, call back de dogs, fo' kotch us yo' cant. 

An' some day you'll belebe it. 

Chorus. 

Den dribe away de fly 

While we make de anvil ring, * * 

Dar am music in de air ; [strokes on anvil and horseshoes. 

We'ze as happy as a king, * * 
An' we'ze gwan ter fight fer Uncle Sam, x 

Or bust a ham string. 
An' help fer ter liberate de niggahs. X X X X 

Ole massa say we mus' git up in de morn, 

But we doan belebe it. [Bass, etc. 

An' go down ter de field fer ter cultivate de corn. 

But we doan belebe it. [Bass, etc. 

We'ze got tired ob workin' in de cotton an' de cane, 
An' we'll fight wid Lincum's sojers till de victory am gain; 
Den we'ze gwan up Norf by de berry fust train, 

An' doan yo' f erget ter belebe it. [ Chorus. 

Ole massa tinks he's sabed kaze he make long prayer, 

But we doan belebe it. [Bass, etc. 

Some day de debil kotch him unawares, 

But he doan belebe it. [Bass, Ole massa doan belebe it. 

He'll swar till ebery thing am blue 
An' flog de niggah like gehue, 
Till de ole man mose go up de flue ; 

Yo' jes' bet we belebe it. [Bass, Yas, we do belebe it. 

[ Chorus. 
Jeff Davis tinks he's mighty smart. 

But we doan belebe it. [Bass, etc. 

Fer de cullud race he hab no heart, 



20 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



But some folks doan belebe it. 
He'll soou get busted, dat we know, 
Fer de Lincum sojers ain't so slow; 
An' when Jeff die he'll go below, 

Ole Satan he belebe it. 



\_Bass, No, dey doan belebe it. 



\^Bass, De debil he belebe it. 
[ Chorus. 



{The last verse should ie used as an encore.) 
Curtain, 



trp. 

Large Window. 



Geary. Table. I Col. J. 




<S^, 



Jumbo. 



Anvil. 

c * * n,, * * 

biNGERs. \/ Singers. 






THE MIDNIGHT CHAEGE. 21 



ACT 11. 

SCENE. — Parlor at home of Gkace Wood. Tahle, c, 2nan < 
or organ, i.. c. , cord a7id tassels fastened loosely to jnano spreau , 
80 that they may l^e easily detached ; large easy-chair, n. v. k., 
in which Captain Danvers is discovered sitting as curtain 
rises. Mus. Wood sits near, c, in sewing or easy-chair, 
with some light icork. The left arm of Captain Danvers 
should be Iieacily bandaged and in a sling. The parlor effect 
should be made up in the lisual way to appear tasty and home- 
like. 

Captain Danvers. Mrs. Wood, do you not tire of these 
desolate surroundings ? 

Mrs. Wood We do indeed, captain. Our home is in Mem- 
phis, but we moved here thinking it would be more safe; and, 
on the contrary, we have been in con.staut fear ever since we 
came. My husband purchased this place some time before the 
war. 

Capt. D. Is it a fact that your husband is in the Southern 
army? 

Mrs. W. Yes, sir; my husband and eldest son. They were 
compelled to enlist in the Confederate army, in order to secure 
safety to us. 

Capt. D. We find many loyal-hearted men fighting against 
the old flag because of the danger thrown around their loved 
ones should they refuse or speak their true sentiments. 

Mrs. W. God grant this cruel war may soon cease, and 
North and Soutli be again united ! 

C.\PT. D. Yes; I hope it maybe so. This has been an event- 
ful week to me. It was a lucky star that guided nae here after 
that battle. 

j^Irs. W. I can assure you. Captain Danvers, that you have 
been a welcome guest. I am only sorry we were not able to 
make you more comfortable. 

Capt. D. You do yourself a great injustice, Mrs. Wood. I 
have had no cause to complain. My only regret now is the fact 
that I must soon leave these pleasant rooms and take my 
chances within the dingy walls of the hospital. 

Mrs. W. Why is that necessary, captain ? You are quite 
welcome to remain here till you are well. 

Capt. D. When Captain Lucas called to see me yesterday he 
said they expected moving orders soon, and of course I must 
go with my regiment. 



22 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Mrs. W. But, captain, you are not strong enough to stand 
the fatigue of transportation. 

Capt. D. Oh, I am feeling quite well again, and of course my 
duty is with the command. There is a matter of which I wish 
to speak, Mrs. Wood, for fear that sudden orders may prevent 
another opportunity. I hope you'll not think me too presum- 
iug on short acquaintance when 1 beg leave to correspond 
with your daughter. I feel that to you and her I owe my 
life, and after this cruel war is over I hope to be better ac- 
quainted. 

Mrs. W. Captain Danvers, I believe you to be a true-hearted 
gentleman, and one whom we may feel proud to call our friend. 
I see nothing inconsistent in your writing to Grace if you have 
her consent. Of course you will bear in mind that we are 
under the eye of Southern rule, and should it become known 
to our enemies that we are receiving letters from a Union officer, 
our position might become very embarrassing. 

Capt. D. I have taken all these difficulties into considera- 
tion, and will be governed accordingly^ 

Enter Charley Wood, c. 

Chas. Oh, mother, I have just been down to where the 
Seventy-third Ohio Volunteers are camped, and who do you 
suppose I saw there ? {Spies Captain Danvers.) Why, Cap- 
tain Danvers, I didn't see you. Excuse me, will you ? 

Capt. D. You are quite excusable, Charley. 

Mrs. W. Who did you see, my son? 

Chas. Daniel May, our old friend from Ohio. 

Mrs. W. I have heard you speak of Mr. May's people, 

Chas. Why, how stupid I am ! I was living with grandpa 
when I made their acquaintance. They were his neighbors. 
But, mother, I have some more news that I am afraid won't 
please you. 

Mrs. W. You alarm me, Charley; what is it ? 

Chas. (Jmeeling at her side). Oh, don't be frightened, moth- 
er, it isn't so serious as you think ! Captain Lucas said I could 
go with them as a drummer boy, if you didn't object. 

Mrs. W. (throwing arms around his neck). Charley Wood, 
what are you thinking of ? 

Chas. You know I can beat a drum nicely, and I showed the 
captain how w^ell I could do. They have a splendid drum 
there, and they told me the boy who beat it was killed by a 
piece of shell from the rebel artillery on Lookout Point. 

Mrs. W. And would you think of leaving mother and sister 
all alone with no protector ? 

Chas. God would protect you and Sister Grace, and I may be 
able to do lots of good, if I nm only a boy. 

Mrs. W. {stroking his hair). You are a noble-hearted little 



THK MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 23 

man, but I could never think of parting with you. What 
would mother do in this terrible struggle without her Charley ? 

Capt. D My boy, you are built of the right kind of metal for 
a good soldier, but you are too young to stand the hardships 
of" war. It looks very inviting to you now, but after you have 
marched a hundred and fifty miles in cold and rain, with only 
the wet ground for a bed and a frozen blanket for covering, 
hard tack for supper and breakfast, you will feel less enthusias- 
tic. 

Chas. That is not a very encouraging picture, indeed. But, 
Captain Danvers, did you form the opinion that I wished to go 
for the good of my health ? 

Capt. D. I presume you have weighed these matters, my hid, 
but experience is still the only correct teacher. {Door-hell 
rings. ) 

Mks. "W. Charley, will you go to the door ? 

Chas. Yes, ma'am. [Exits, c 

Mrs. W. Excuse me, captain, and I will look after tea. 

[Exits, L. TJ. E. 

Enter Charley Wood, tcith letter, c. 

Chas. Captain Danvers, one of your soldiers is at the door, 
and wishes an answer to this letter, {Gives letter.) 

Capt. D. Did he give his name ? 

Chas. Yes, sir ; Corporal Casper Montgomery. 

Capt. D. Ask him to remain in the library for a few minutes, 
and I will see him. [Charley exits, c. 

Capt. D. {opens and reads letter aloud). 

My dear Oaf tain Danvers : 

I have just returned from abroad, and learned of Captain 
Bookwalter's death and of your misfortune. I have a bit of 
news which I wish to communicate to you in person, as it con- 
cerns you only. If you are able to walk out, come to the grove 
just east of here to-morrow noon, not later, as my time is 
limited. Please answer by the bearer, and oblige 

Yours for the right, 

George Webb. 

Capt. D. Well, I haven't the remotest idea what our spy can 
have in store for me, but I'll be there, for Mr. Webb never 
talks that way unless it means something of importance. I will 
see the corporal and send an answer to George. {Puts Utter in 
coat-pocket, which he leaves hanging on bach of chair, then exits, 
L. c.) 

Enter Dick Ryon cautiously, r. c, wijnng face tcith handker- 
chief. 

Ry. Well, that's the warmest place I've been in for a long 
time, our engagement on Lookout Creek not excepted ; but I 



34 THE MIDNIGHT CHAKGE. 

may find a warmer reception than that closet before I am well 
out of this. The first thing on the programme is to find the let- 
ter which I heard that amiable Yankee reading. {Feels in coat 
pocket and Ji ads letter.) I've been around camp for a long time 
trying to get a clip at George Webb, the Union spy, and this 
letter is the key to his whereabouts ; and if I can get the drop 
on him, I'll return to General Bragg and receive my reward, 
I wish I might do up this Cajrtain Danvers. The fact that he 
has won the love of her who spurns me makes my blood boil. 
I wonder if there is anything more in that coat worth taking ? 
{Feels in coat again and finds stiletto.) Ah ha! What's this ? 
The captain's stiletto. {Looks closely at it.) It's a bright little 
thing. Wouldn't it be a bright idea to take it along to use on 
George Webb ? Pistols make too much noise. (Puis Jcnife in 
pocket.) But I must not be found here alone. I'll go to the 
front door and call for Grace Wood. I must remind her that 
she is treading on dangerous ground. [E.vits, k. c. 

Enter Jumbo, c. , icith market-basket. Looks cautiously around. 

JuM. Dis yar mus' be de place, kaze Massa Gea'-y say so. It 
doan peer like dar am any one roun' about heah. {Wcdhs 
around, looking at pictures, etc., making such comments as his wit 
will suggest.) 

Enter Grack Wood, l. u. e., and stands looking at him. 

Grace Wood. What do you want here, sir ? 

JuM. {starting). Oh Lawd, yo' mos' skere de bref outen 
me! 

Grace. Who admitted you to this room ? 

JuM. I jes' admitioned myself, honey: dar wasn't any pusson 
roun' ter say come in, so I jes' appropriated de impulse ob de 
moment an' marched my foces inter de fort what had been vaxi- 
nated by de— by de — by de family. Yo' see, honey, de gineril 
sen' me wid some chickins fer de cap'n. 

Grace. Oh, is that it ? Well, you are quite excusable. I will 
take them to the kitchen. Will you wait for the basket ? 

JuM. {giving basket). Yas, missus; I'll stay right heah till yo' 
come back. 

Grace. Did the general send any message to Captain Dan- 
vers ? 

JuM. Jes' de mess ob chickins, dat's all. 

Grace. I will return soon. [Exits, x.. u. e. 

Jtjm. [sitting in easy-chair, r.u.e.). Golly now, ain't dis yar 
fine? An' warn't dat white gal sweet as de shugar kane ? Did 
yo' see dat gal smile on dis coon ? Guess she knows I belong 
ter de Punkin Blossom Club. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



Enter Chaelet Wood, c, followed hj Ryon. Supposes it to he 
Captaik Daxvers hi chair, hit must not look at Jumbo till 
after Jirst lines. ' 

Chas. Captain Danvcrs, let me make you acquainted Avitli 
our old friend — (Discovers mistalce.) Who are you and what 
are you doing in this room ? 

JuM. Hole on now, yo' white boy ; doan yo' go fer ter git too 
fas' till ye know who yo'ze spokin' at. Doan yo' see what I'ze 
doin'? I'ze keepin' dis yar chair warm. {To 'Rxo^.) Say. yo' 
white man, ain't yo' de fellah what kick me outen de gineril's 
fourquarters dat oder day ? {Bises.) 

Rt. (sitting on sofa, R.). I never saw you before. 

Enter Grace, l. u. e., with hasTcet, irhich she gives to Jumbo. 
Theti spcalcs to Ryon. 

Grace. Good-morning, Mr. Ryon ; I am quite surprised to 
see you here. (Ryon, rising, offers his hand to Grace, tcho 
turns her face toward Jumbo, and pretends not to see the more.) 

JuM. (going, c). De gineral say how am de cap'n ? 

Grace. Tell the general tlie captain is doing nicely. Charley, 
let him out of the side gate, will you ? (Charley foliates 
JuMBO out, c.) 

Ry. Grace! 

Grace. Miss Wood, if you please, ]\Ir. Ryon. 

Ry. Very well, if that is your wish. I understand you are 
making a Yankee hospital of your home. 

Grace. A wounded Union officer is our guest for a few days. 

Ry. Suppose your father should learn that his doors were 
open to Yankee guests. 

Grace. Mr. Ryon, what does it signify to you whether my 
father be pleased or otherwise ? And, by the way, how does it 
happen that you are wearing a Yankee uniform ? 

Ry. I donned them to please you. 

Grace. Then please me by changing back to the gray, for 
none but tnie, honest hearts should beat beneath a coat of blue. 

Ry. Be careful, ^liss Wood, that your loyalty to the North 
doesn't reach the ears of your Southern friends. 

Grace. Southern friends, indeed! And what of yourself, 
sir. Are you playing the spy ? 

Ry. Grace Wood, there was a time when jou claimed to re- 
turn my love and greeted me with a smile always. 

Grace. Too true ; and thought you were a gentleman. 

Ry. You mean you loved me until you found I would not 
turn against Southern rights; then you spurned me. Now I 
have changed my views and joined the Yanks for your sake. 
Will you receive me back again ? 



26 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Grace. Never ! A turn-coat is not woi'thy of woman's affec- 
tion. 

Rt. G-race, will you drive me mad ? 

Grace. Mr. Ryon, when you were here last we settled this 
matter once for all, and wliatever you say will avail nothing. 
Oblige me by not calling here ngain. 

Rt. Miss Wood, you will repent this day's work in sackcloth 
and ashes. You think you have this matter all your own 
way. I will repay you with compound interest. 

Grace. For shame, Mr. Ryon ! None but a coward would 
threaten an unprotected woman in this manner; but I do not 
fear you in the least. 

Ry. Are you aware that I have the power to have you and 
your people put under arrest and your property confiscated for 
harboring a Yankee ? 

Grace. Do it ! And in person I will report you to General 
Geary as being a Southern spy and one of Wheeler's raiders. 

Ry. {seizing her by wrist). By the heavens above, woman, 
but open your lips to any one, and your life will pay the for- 
feit ! 

Grace. Unhand me, sir! 

Ry. Never, unless you swear to keep secret what I confided 
to you when I supposed you were my friend. 

Grace. I shall call for help if you do not unhand me this 
instant. 

Ry. {producing hiife). If you do it will be your last. Now 
listen. Captain Danvers is your new lover. If you value his 
life and your own swear that, let come what will, you will 
keep my secret. 

During the above Sister Alice enters softly, l. c, and holds re- 
volver bach of his head. 

Sister A. If you value your life, go at once, and never show 
your cowardly face on these premises again. (Ry'on turns his 
head slowly till he sees the 2)istolj then droi)s Grace's hand.) 

Ry. I beg pardon. 

Sister A. {sternly). Not a word, sir. Go! {Points to c.) 

Ryon exits quickly, c. Grace turns, and laying her head on 
Sister Alice's shoulder sobs. 

Sister A. You poor child ! This excitement has completely 
unnerved you. What was he saying ? 

Grace. Sit down, Sister Alice, and I will tell you all. 
(Sister Alice sits in easy-chair down c, and Grace kneels at 
her side.) I became acquainted with Mr. Ryon in Memphis, 
where we lived before this dreadful war broke out. He was 
thought only as a friend of the family, and we all looked upon 
him as a pleasant gentleman. About a year ago he insisted 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 27 

on paying his addresses to me, and as his manners were re- 
fined, I made no decided ol)jections, until we moved hero. 
Since that time he has shown his true colors — a traitor to his 
country — and we have been continually annoyed by his visits. 
I tried by gentle hints to make him understand that his calls 
were not pleasant to us. So I have told him in a more forcible 
manner that he must not come here again, when he flew into a 
passion and threatened my liberty. 

Sister A. Did he claim to you that he is a single man ? 

Grace. He did. Do you know to the contrary ? 

Sister A. I know his wife very well ; her home is in Mem- 
phis. 

Grace. Wliat ! Is he a married man ? What would the 
poor woman think of me ? 

Sister A. Simply that you have been duped, like hundreds 
of our sex, by a fiend calling himself a man. 

Grace. I'm afraid he will do us harm; he was very, very 
angry. 

Enter Charley, c. 

Chas. Oh, Grace, whnt is the matter with Mr. Ryon ? I 
met him down the road and asked him what was his hurry, 
and he told me to go to the devil. 

Grace {rising). I hope you didn't sauce him back, Charley ? 

Chas. Oh, no. I just asked him to let me know on what 
days he would be at home to callers, and I would think about 
it.' 

Grace. Why, Charley Wood ! 

Chas. (taking her hand coaxingly). Oh, Grace, I want to go 
for a drummer boy in Captain Lucas's company ! Won't you 
try and persuade mother that you and her can get along all 
right without me ? 

Grace. Why, Brother Charley, have you lost your mind ? 
You certainly don't mean a word of it ? 

Chas. Was never more serious in my life, Grace. They 
Avant a drummer boy, and I want the situation. 

Grace. You know, Charley, mother would never give her 
consent. Only think, you are just out of your aprons. What 
could you do ? 

Chas. (chopping her hand indignanth/). I could beat the 
drum, and if that didn't kill the rebs, I'd give a dinner party 
and feed them on some of your biscuit. 

[Exits, c, in a very dignijied manner. 

Grace. Did you ever hear of such impudence ? I can't 
blame him much; he doesn't like to be called a child. 

Enter Captain Danvers, c. 
Capt. D. Ah, ladies, do I intrude ? 



28 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Grace (rising). Not in the least, captain; I will leave you 
to chat with Sister Alice while I assist mamma with dinner. 
By the way, captain, General Geary sent a colored man to 
inquire after your health, and he brought you some very fine 
fowls for your dinner. 

Capt. D. {sitting in easij-chair, R. tr. e.). Indeed! It is very 
considerate of him. We will try and do justice to his generous 
donation. 

Sister A. (rising). Grace, allow me to assist your mother, 
while you remain and entertain the captain. 

Grace. Oh, no, Sister Alice ; keep your seat ! 

Sister A. (laughing). Oh, but I insist I 

[Exits quicMy, L. u. e. 

Grace (loohing after her). Captain, won't you come to my 
rescue ? 

Capt. D. On the contrary, I am rather glad that she carried 
the day. I haven't had a chance to speak with you to-day. I 
had a pleasant talk with your mother this morning, and I have 
her permission to correspond with you after I have gone away. 
May I have your consent, Grace ? 

Grace. I am always glad to receive a message from an ab- 
sent friend, but. Captain Danvers, I would not dare to re- 
ceive overtures from you, above all others. 

Capt. D. Have I deceived myself ? I supposed I read your 
language aright yesterday, and I flattered myself that you cared 
for me. 

Grace. Have you learned to the contrary ? 

Capt. D. Grace, although our acquaintance has been brief, 
yet I feel that when I go away from here I shall leave behind 
the only woman who can make my life happy. 

Grace. Please do not say that. Captain Danvers. 

Capt. D. And why not, Grace ? Am I intruding on the 
rights of another ? 

Grace. No, sir ; I am free to act as I like ; but there are 
other reasons why you should not express your love. 

Capt. D. I am aware of the fact that we have known each 
other too short a time to warrant this from me. But, Grace, I 
am liable to be called away soon, and I must say now what I 
would leave unsaid until you knew me better, were it possible. 

Grace (sitting on stool heside Captain Danvers). Captain 
Danvers, your sojourn with us has been very pleasant to me, 
and I am very proud to feel that I have your love ; but for your 
sake I dare not return it. 

Capt. D. You are an enigma, Grace, that I fail to under- 
stand. 

Grace. I do not intend to be. 

Capt. D. Is it on account of your Southern friends ? I am 
a Unionist. 

Grace. My Southern friends Avould rejoice to see me happy. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 29 

What my enemies would do is quite the reverse. Even now, 
captain, I fenr for your safety. 

Capt. D. For my safety ? 

Grace. Yes ; you are not safe for one moment under this 
roof. 

Capt. D. Who would harm me ? We are inside the picket 
lines. 

Grace. Very true ; but you may have an enemy even in your 
own ranks. Captain, I cannot explain myself more clearly at 
this time. Please do not ask mc. 

Capt. D. Grace, I believe your fears are groundless ; I hope 
so, at least. I certainly fear no enemy Wearing the blue, and 
were it so, why should it interfere with our personal mat- 
ters ? 

Grace. I can only say, he on your guard, for my sake, as well 
as your own. 

Capt. D. Grace, do you never fear for your own safety and 
that of your mother and brother ? 

Grace. The word fear cannot give the faintest idea of the 
agony we have endured. We supposed when we left ISremphis 
and came to this little hamlet that we were fleeing from danger 
to a place of safety. But the first night we were here the 
cottage was struck by a shell, and many, many nights since 
then we did not close our eyes. At one time we were visited 
by a foraging party of Wheeler's raiders and every morsel of 
food taken from us. Even our dinner — which Ave were then 
preparing — was confiscated, and for over one week we had 
nothing to eat but some popcorn which Charley chanced to have 
stowed away in an old trunk up in the garret. We dared not 
venture out-of-doors to ]irocure either food or fuel. Such dis- 
astrous times are calculated to make the strongest hearts grow 
faint. • 

Capt. D. You poor child ; how I wish you and your friends 
were North until this cruel war is over ! (Feels in coat-pocket 
for letter, then lool-s HiirpriHed) Grace, has any one been in this 
room this afternoon except the family ? 

Grace. Yes, sir ; two persons — a colored man with the 
])oultry and a man who was once our friend. Why, have you 
missed anything ? 

Capt. I). Yes; an important letter is missing from this 
pocket. AVas either of tluin alone here ? 

Grace. Only the colored man. He waited here while I dis- 
posed of the contents and returned the basket. And, by the 
way, he was sitting in your chair when 1 came back from the 
kitchen. Can it be possible that he has taken it i 

Capt. D. It is certainly gone, and must be found, if possible. 
Will Charley take a note to General Geary from me ? 

Grace (rmng). Certainly. He always likes an excuse to 
visit the camp. I will go and find him. [Exits, c. 



30 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Captain Danvers tahes note-booh from j)ocket^ tears out a leaf, 
and proceeds to icrite note, which he afterward folds ready 
for delivery. 

Enter Sister Alice, l. u. e. 

Sister A. Our dinner is ready, captain. Where is Grace ? 

Capt. D. Just stepped out to find Charley. Sister Alice, 
that girl is a mystery. 

Sister A. {laughing). Some people love mysteries, captain. 

Capt. D. I do ; that one, at least. What a pity that such a 
dear little body should be compelled to live in this laud of war 
and bloodshed ! 

Sister A. Yes ; my heart aches for them. 

Capt. D. I wish it were in my power to take them away 
from here. 

Sister A. Captain, I'm afraid the wound in your arm isn't the 
only one you have received lately. I believe Cupid has been 
using you for a target. 

Capt. D. I confess the charge. Sister Alice. She is just the 
sweetest, dearest little woman lever met ; but when I even hint 
of the matter to her she bids me to be silent. There seems to 
be some obstacle in the way which prevents her from speaking 
her true feelings. 

Sister A. That is easily explained. The young lady has 
a would-be suitor who has sworn vengeance on the man who 
becomes his rival ; and Grace feels for your safety, but doesn't 
like to worry you with the facts. 

Capt. D. Well that explains her language this morning. 
I'm glad, if this is all. 

Sister A. She would not thank me for telling you this ; 
but really, captain, there are reasons why you should be on 
the alert. 

Capt. D. Oh, I have no fears ! People who boast seldom 
carry out their threats. Do you know the fellow ? 

Sister A. He was here only a short time since, and I heard 
him making some terrible threats to Grace. 

Capt. D. Is it possible ? Well, I can't blame her for feeling 
alarmed. 

Enter Charkey, c. 

Chas. Captain Danvers, Grace said you wished to see me. 

Capt. D. I wish you to take a message to General Geary, if 
you will. 

Chas. I shall be delighted to do so, captain. 

Capt. D. {giving letter). We will have dinner before you 
go. 

Grace {at c). Aren't you people coming to dinner ? Mamma 
says it's waiting. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 31 

Capt. D. (rising). Yes; we must not slight the general's 
chickens. [All exit, l. u. e. 

After a pause rapjying heard outside, c. ; then Jujibo 2yuts head in 
and calls. 

JUM. Say, dar, yo' white folkses, why doan yo' say come in ? 
By golly, I guess dey am all gone agin. (Motions to some one 
outside.) Come in har, yo' ole hibernicum snoozer. (Enters, 
folio tred l)}/ Fa'v O'Harra.) 

Pat. Phat in blazes de ye want to bring me intil here fer 
•whin the gintry are out ? Be gorry, av ye git me in trouble 
Oi'U be the dith av ye. 

JuM. Make yo'self to home, hibernicum, till de white 
folkses aribe. (Sticks ti]> his nose toward l. u. e.) Guess dey 
am eatin' fried chickin out dar. By golly, I can smell 'em 
bref. 

Pat (sitting, r. c). Hould yer jaw, ye black divil, it's 
ashamed Oi am to be caught in yer company. 

JuM. (looking through the corner of his eye at Pat). Look 
heah now, yo' white man, doan yo' go fo' ter pesticate me 
dat way, kaze Pze a bad niggah if yo' git me mad. 

Pat. Och, may the divil fly away wid yer. Av ye don't 
moind ver manners Oi'U report yez to the court-marshal, be- 
dad. 

Enter Captain Danvers, followed hy Grace, l. u. e. Cap- 
tain Danvers has his napkin on, as if just from dinner. 

Capt. D. What is all this racket about ? 

Pat. (saluting). The haythen nayger wouldn't hould his jaw, 
sor. 

Jtbi. He war pesticating me, boss. 

Capt. D. Shut up, sir! Who gave you fellows the liberty 
to come in hero in this sly manner ? 

Pat. The nayger. sor, said he war a friend av the family. 

Capt. D. (to Grace). E.xcuse me, Grace, perhaps I am as- 
suming too much authority. 

Grace. He is the person who came with the chickens this 
morning. I never saw him before that. 

Capt. D. Oh, this is the follow who was alone in the room. 
Will you please say to Charley that he need not carry the note, 
as it was in regard to this fellow. (Grace exits, l. u. e.) 
What do you fellows want here, anyway ? 

Pat. The ginoril sint the nayger wid a lethcr fer yez this 
mornin', an' the big booby didn't liave brains enough to deliv- 
er the same till ye, so he sint mosilf to bring the lether, an" the 
ould varmint to show me the way. (Gives letter.) 

JcM. (shaking Jist at Pat). I done broke yo' jaw when I 



32 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

kotch yo' out, yo' lyin' debil. Spoze I'ze gwan ter put up 
wid yo' pestications any mo'? No, sah; I'ze gwan ter — 

Capt. D. (quicMy interrupting him). Shut up! {Sits in easy- 
chair, K. u. E.) Are you the chap that brought the fowls this 
morning ? 

JuM. No, sah ; I brung de chickins. 

Capt. D. Did you sit in this chair when here this morning ? 

JuM. Yas, sah; I did, sah. 

Capt. D. Did you have your hands in this coat ? 

JtJM. No, sah ; I hab my hans in my own coat. 

C.4.PT. D. What, sir! Do you deny it ? 

JuM. I clar to goodness, boss, I nebber did see dat coat 
afore. 

Pat. Bedad, gineril, Oi belave the divil be lyin' till ye. Oi 
can see 'im blush. 

Capt. D. I think I had better search you. 

JuM. All right, sah; yo' won't tine nuffin' dat belong to 
yo'. (Captain Danvers proceeds to search him, and finds no 
letter. Business of searching can he made very amusing, if Jum- 
bo has very large and deep pockets, and plenty of them, well filled 
with odds and ends, several old army revolvers, old razors, a lot of 
hardtack, etc., etc.; at last Captain Danvers fishes out a mam- 
moth tuning fork fifteen or twenty inches long.) 

Capt. D. What is this ? 

JuM. Sho' now, doan yo' know what dat am ? It am a tunin'- 
fork. 

C.\PT. D. A what ? 

JuM. A tunin'-fork, sah, what w^e pitch de tunes wid. Yo' 
see, boss, I belong ter de Pun kin Blossom Club. 

Capt. D. Well, 231 ck up this rubbish and pitch yourself out 
of here. (Jumbo ^«cAs up stuff and puts it hack in pockets,) 

Enter Grace, l. u. e. 

Grace. Captain, cannot these men wait while you finish 
your meal ? 

Capt. D. I am done with them, I think. {Looks at letter,) 
Yes, this letter requires no answer. You fellows may return to 
camp. Excuse me, Grace ; I will finish my dinner. 

[Exits, L. u. E. 

Grace {to Pat). Are you one of General Geary's men ? 

Pat. That Oi am, mum ; an' a foine lad the gineril be, too. 

Grace. Would you mind staying here on guard till morn- 
ing if I get permission from the general ? 

Pat. Oi wadn't moind shtayin' here av Oi had me ould gun 
along. 

Grace. You won't need any gun. All I wish is that you 
sleep in the kitchen and see that no one comes prowling 
around during the night. 

Pat. All roite, mum ; Oi'll shtay. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 33 

JuM. Yo'd bcttah hide de fried chickin, missus, if dat ole 
snoozer stay in dar. 

Pat. Hould yer jaw, sor, ye black varmint. 

Grace {giving letter to Jumbo). Will you take this note to 
General Geary direct ? 

JuM. Yas, missus, I'll tote it right up dar imigiately. Say, 
missus, doan j^o' want anoddah ni^gah to sleep in dc kitchen ■; 

Grace. No. You two would kill each other before morn- 
ing. 

JuM. {going c). Guess dat am a fac', missus. Dis chile doan 
like dat ole hoss-fly. \ Exits, c. 

Grace {to Pat). Come with me and I'll show you around to 
the kitchen, where you can have supper. 

[Exits, c, foUoired hj Pat, who speaks aside as he is leaving. 

Pat. Patrick O'Harra, ould boy, yez in luck. Here goes fer 
a square male, bedad. 

After a pause enter Charley at centre in a great state of excite- 
ment ; throiDS hat in the air and yells loudly. 

Chas. Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! Where is everybody ? 
Hurrah for — for hurrah ! {Throics hat again and Mpers alout. 
He need not confine himself entirely to the words as icritten, hit 
keep uj) a continual racket, as suits hiniVest; hut don,' t forget to t;ct 
in as many hurrahs as ijossible.) 

Enter Mrs. Wood, followed hy Captain Danvers and Sister 
Alice. All are greatly amazed. 

Mrs. W. Why, Charley Wood, what is the matter with you? 

Chas. {throicing up hat). Best news of the season ! Hur- 
rah ! 

Mrs. W. {catching him hy collar). What do you mean ? Do 
you intend to drive us all wild ? 

CiiAS. {trying to pull away). Yes, I guess I do. No, I don't. 
Hurrah ! 

Mrs. W. {shaking him). Stop this at once and tell us what 
you mean. 

Enter Grace, c. 

Grace. Why, what is the matter ? Is any one hurt ? 

Chas. Yes. The old traitor, Bragg, has had his feelings 
hurt ! Hurrah ! {Tries to throve hat, but Mrs. Wood takes if 
away from him). 

Sister A. Grace, I guess your brother is going insane. 

Grace {seizing him hy other arm). Brother Charley, stop this 
yelling and tell us what is the matter. 

Cn.\s. Father and brother Fred are coming home. Hur- 
rah ! 

All. Coming home ! 



34 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Chas. Yes. They have deserted from the Southern army. 
Hurrah ! ( Tries to get hat. ) 

Capt. D. Well, that is certainly" good news. I don't blame 
the boy for celebrating. 

Mrs. W. How do you know this, my son ? 

Chas. Roy C lough just came along and said he was in camp 
when they and a lot of others came over Lookout Creek to 
where the Thirty-third Massachusetts are camped. He had a 
long talk with father, and I'm going right down there and see 
them. {Catches up hat and exits qnicHy, c.) 

Mrs. W. {runs quickli/ to door and calls after him). Charley, 
Charley, come back and 1 will go with you. {Coming back.) 
It's no use. He has gone without overcoat or mittens. I can't 
blame him. Wish I were with him. Captain, do you suppose 
they will allow them to come home ? 

Capt. D. Oh, certainly, though probably not before 
morning. 

Grace. Thank God, our prayers have been answered. 
Mother, would we dare walk down there to-night ? 

Mrs. W. I was just thinking of the same thing, but I am 
afraid it would not be prudent so late at night. 

Capt. D. It would be a pretty long walk for you ladies, but 
if you decide to go I will escort you. 

Mrs. W. You are very kind, captain, but it would never do 
in your condition. No ; we will wait till morning. We will 
hear from them when Charley returns. 

[E.vits, L. u. E.jfolhwedii/ Sister Alice. 

Capt. D. Grace, I am so glad that your father and brother 
aro at last away from the rebel ranks. 

Grace. Yes, captain; Charley was right- -it's the best news 
of the season. I shall be so happy to have you make their 
acquaintance. 

Capt. D. I am afraid I shall not have that pleasure, Grace. 
I have just received a note from General Geary asking me if 
possible to report to him to-morrow for marching orders. 

Grace. So soon ! Why, captain, you are not sufficiently re- 
covered, are you ? 

Capt. D. {taking her hand). Grace, I do not mind that, but 
I had hoped you might know me better before I should be 
called away. 

Grace. I shall be very lonely when you are gone, and if you 
can manage to send me an occasional letter, I can assure you 
they will meet with a hearty welcome. 

Capt. D. {kissing her hand). Thank you, my dear girl 1 I 
shall strive to merit your friendship. How often do you mean 
by occasional ? 

Grace {laughing). Oh, one a day if you have time to write 
them. 

Capt. D. And will you answer them all ? 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 35 

Grace. If my pen and ink doesn't give out. 
Capt. D. Grace, I am proud of you, and at some future 
time, Avheu this cruel war is over — 

As h^ speaks the last word a loud report is Tiea/rd outside, followed 
hy a crash and strain from orchestra. At the first crash a 
Jiiish-light should he made with powder off b. c, just enough 
so that the smoke may come on the stage far effect. Grace 
screams loudly. Captain Danvers?'««8 to c. and looks off R. 

Capt. D. It's the compliments of the rebels on Lookout 
Mountain, I guess. A shell has struck the stable ! 

Grace. Oh, Captain, I'm afraid our carriage pony is killed ! 
[E.cits quickly, c, followed hy Captain Danvers. 

After a pause the lights gradually loioer, until the stage is semi- 
dark ; a diMant clock is heard to chime the hour of twelve. 
Soft music. Ryon appears at l. c, and comes on very cau- 
tiously. 

Ry. Well, thank fortune, they have retired. I've waited 
around outside until my feet are as cold as my heart. I see a 
shot has struck the barn and sent the family pony to kingdom 
come. {Takes letter frovi pocket.) Now, here's a shell of an- 
other kind, loaded for Captain Danvers. I'll put it right here 
in this coat, where I took the other out. {Puts letter in Cap- 
tain Danvkrs' coat.) Now, my dear Grace, when your lover 
is found with that letter on his person his name will be Mc- 
Ginty, and he will wLsh he were at the bottom of the seas. I 
wish I knew where the Yankee was sleeping; I'd slip in and 
give him a taste of his own knife. {Goes to c, cohere he listens 
carefully.) 

Pat {appears at l. 1 e., and looks at Ryon; then speaJ^s in a 
stage whisper). Bedad I there be a dirthy blaguard in the mis- 
sus' parlor. {JRolls up sleeves.) Oh ho, me lark, yer in danger 
av yer loife, fer Oi'm on til yer toime. 

Ry. I can hear some one breathing heavily, but blast my 
buttons if I can tell where it is. 

Pat. Bedad ! av Oi had me ould gun here Oi'd make 'im 
think it war loaded. {Takes empty whixkey-huttle from his pocket 
and smells of it ; then looks in it.) Be me soul, av thot had the 
load in it thot war there yisterday, Oi'd fire it iutil his stom- 
ach, and begorra he'd be a dead mon. Maybe Oi can fool the 
varmint. {Takes cord from piano cover, and holding hottle in 
right hand, like a jnstol, creeps cautiously up behind Ryon at c. 
Puts end of hottle against the hack of Ryon's head, and speaks low, 
hut sternly and distinct.) Hould up yer hands, sor! An' av 
ye move yer jaw, Oi'll blow more brains outen yer ould head 
than ye iver had intil it, bedad. 

Ry. {Iwlding up hands). AYlio arc you ? 



36 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Pat {taking pistol from Ryon's hip-pocl'et). Hould yer jaw, 
sor. Put yer hands behind yer ! (Ryon does so.) Now, av yer 
shtir yer a dead corpus; de ye moind ? {Ties Ryon's hands.) 
Now, turn around an' lit the gintry see the thavin' varmint 
thot ye air. 

Ry. {turning around). Oh, it's you, is it ? 

Pat. Bedad ! did yer think it war Gineril Grant ? 

Ry. {patronizingli/). What are you doing here, Pat ? 

Pat. Bedad ! didn't Oi give yer a hint av phat Oi war doin' 
here ? 

Ry. It's all right, Pat; this is one on me. Come around to 
my tent to-morrow and get a drink. 

Pat. {striking an attitude). De yer see ouy thing grane in me 
eye? 

Ry. Curse you ! 

Pat. Now, thot sounds more loike yersilf, ould boy. 

Mnter Sister Alice at c. 

Sister A. "What is the matter here ? 

Pat. Bedad, Sister, Oi found this dirthy blaguard snoopin' 
around here, so Oi jist stuck me ould whiskey-bottle bhoind 
his ear au' traded guns wid him. Ye needn't be afraid av the 
divil, Oi'v got his hands toied. 

Ry. You will pay dearly for this, j^ou Irish devil. 

Pat. Save yer foin compliments, me hearty. 

Sister A. Go to the camp and get two soldiers. 

Pat. Phat will become av yersilf wid the divil ? 

Sister A. Never mind me. Give me that weapon and go. 

Pat. {giving pistol). All roite, mum. Moind yer oye. 

Ry. {patronizingly). Madam, while I admit that I am caught 
in a very embarrassing position, I assure you my motives for 
coming here were only the best. 

Sister A. Silence, sir ! I know why you are here. You 
had murder in your heart — jealous revenge. 

Ry. I came here to see Captain Danvers. 

Sister A. Too true. You came to end his life, but were 
foiled in your plans. Now, what can you expect in return ? 
{liaises pistol.) 

Ry. Oh, madam, I beg of you ! 

Sister A. Silence ! Now, sir, why do you seek to intrude on 
this family ? And what right have you to claim the love or 
even the respect of Grace Wood ? 

Ry. Has a man no rights in this world ? 

Sister A. Has he the right to wed and afterward desert the 
wife whose life he has blasted ? Has God given him the right 
to forsake her, even while she is sick and destitute, and not 
only that, but take her jewelry ? Speak, sir; have you done 
this ? 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 37 

Ry. There is no use to argue this matter with you. You 
seem to be on to my time all right. 

Sister A. Isn't it true, sir, that you left your wife in Mem- 
phis, two years ago, without one farthing to buy bread or 
medicine, while you began at once trying to win the affections 
of that innocent girl ? 

Ry. Well ? 

Sister A. Speak, sir! Is that true ? 

Ry. Y-e-s ; there is no use to deny it. 

Sister A. {i-aking pistol). Then, sir, as "war to the knife" 
seems to be your motto and the way you have of settling your 
difficulties, ought I not. in avenging the wrongs of your de- 
serted wife, mete out to you what you intended for Captain 
Danvers ? 

Hy. {coioering). For God's sake, woman, don't shoot ! I'm 
not lit to die. 

Sister A. (lowering pistol). I ought to end your earthly ca- 
reer; 'twould be a blessing to the world. But I'll give you 
one more chance, and let me warn you that if you are ever seen 
by me inside the Federal lines again, I'll point you out to Gen- 
eral Grant as Dick Ryon, the rebel spy. 

Ry. (starting). What! 

Sister A. I know you, sir. Look to it that daylight docs 
not iiad you within the Union lines. {She unties his hands.) 
About face, sir. {lie turns^ facing back, c. ) 

Ry. Woman, it shall be as you command. I will leave this 
part of the world at once, and thank you for the privilege. 
May I ask to whom I am indebted for my liberty ? 

Sister A. That, sir, does not signify. Escape while you 
may. (Points to c.) Go! (Ryo^ marches straight out c, turns 
square corner, military style, and vanishes left as curtain falls. 
Sister Alice remains pointing till closed in by curtain. ) 



38 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



ACT III. 

SCENE. — Out wood, shoicing Loohout Mountam in the distance. 
As curtain rises General Geary is discovered writinff on 
tablet, while an orderly holds his horse in the haclcground. 
Staff and other soldiers standing ar sitting ai'ound, convers- 
ing with each other in a low to7is, that it may not interfere 
loith the main parts. Generai, Gb^ary finishes writing, 
tears off sheet, folds and hands it to one of staff. {Do not 
hurry. ) 

Gen. G. Take this to General Shurz, and return with an im- 
mediate answer. (Officer tahes note and exits, l. c.) 

Enter Colonel Jones, l. u. e. ; salutes General Geary. 

Col. J. General Geary, I was over where the Seventy-third 
Ohio are camping this morning, and I saw our missing spy 
there. 

Gen. G. George Webb ? Good ! I have been not a little 
concerned for his safetJ^ {Men all gather round and show eager- 
ness to hear from Webb.) Gentlemen, this is good news. Our 
favorite scout and spy, George Webb, has returned alive and 
well. Did you speak with him ? 

CoL. J. Yes, I had quite achat with him. He has been with 
the rebel, General Lougstreet, and reports that the wily old 
Southerner is on his way to Knoxville, where he expects to 
wipe out General Burnside's little army at a single stroke. 
AVebb succeeded in sending the news ahead to Burnside at 
Knoxville ; then he came over and entered the lines of Gener- 
al Bragg near Chattanooga. {Takes paper from pocket and pro- 
ceeds to point out to General Geary.) Here is a small map 
which Webb loaned me to show you the exact position of 
Bragg's army. You will notice that his rebel forces half en- 
circle Chattanooga, and both his right and left rest on the 
Tennessee River. According to this diagram the old rebel 
holds Lookout Mountain, Chattanooga Valley, and Mission 
Ridge. Webb intimated to me on the quiet that Grant in- 
tends to attack Bragg's army, while it is materially weakened 
by the absence of Longstreet's forces. 

Enter Jumbo, r. 1 e. , with large "bag on his lack, supposed to he 
filed toith chickens. If lie can carry one or two live ones in 
his hands, so much the better. He gets well on the stage, 
then stops, sees men and stops suddenly, as if frustrated. 

Gen. G. What have you got there, you black rascal ? 

JuM. Chickins, by golly. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 89 

Gen. G. Whore did you get them ? 

JuM. Got 'em up to de ole plantation. Didn't I done tola 
yo' I know whar dey roos'? 

Gen. G. Well, sir, didn't 1 tell you not to let me catch you 
outside the picket lines again ? 

JuM. Didn't kotch me, did yo', gineril ? 

Gen. G. But didn't I tell you to never go outside the lines 
without permission from me ? 

JuM. Yas, sail. 

Gen. G. Then why did you disobey my orders ? 

JuM. Didn't diserbay yo", boss; yo' tole dis yar niggah to go. 

Gen. G. {angry). Do you intend to stand there and tell me a 
deliberate lie ? 

Ju.M. No, sah-, didn't I done ask yo' las' night ? 

Gen. G. And what did I tell you ? 

JuM. Yo' tole me ter go ter de debil, an' dat am my ole 
massa on de plantation, so I jes get my bag an' go out dar an' 
git some chickins. 

Gen. G. Did you get all tlie poultry he had ? 

JuM. Mos' all, gineril: one roostah an' four ole hen git erway. 
Den de big dorg wake up, an' I didn't wait to git 'em all. 

Gen. G. Well, I'll let you oflf this lime, but it must not hap- 
pen more than once again. 

JuM. I can git 'em all nex' time, gineril ! 

Gen. G. Go to headquarters now and dress some of them for 
dinner. 

JuM. All right, boss, we'll hab fried cliickin fo' dinnah. I 
stealed some buttah from massa's celiah. 

Gen. G. All right, Jumbo, I'll forgive you. 

JuM. Say, gineril, I'ze got some nice bacon in dis yar ole bag 
what ole massa hab hid iudegroun'. Will yo' fogibme some 
moah ? [ExitH, l. 1 e. 

Gen. G. {to Colonel Jones). Are the Seventy-third still 
camping on the hill they and the Thirty-third so nobly won ? 

CoL. J. No; the rebel battery on Lookout Mountain is so 
annoying that the boys have moved about half a mile down the 
hill toward Brown's Ferry. 

Gen. G. Did Webb say what he expects to do next ? 

Col. J. No, sir; lie said he had been resting in camp for a 
couple of days, and would be over here by noon to-day. 

Gen. G. {lool-ing at watch). Well, he is liable to be at _my 
quarters now; let us return. {To orderly.) You may bring 
my horse ; I prefer to walk. {Orderly salutes in an»u)er, aiid 
leads horse off, l. All exit, L.) 

After a 'patise Rton steps from hehind a tree, r. u. e., and com- 
ing down, makes a moch salute in the direction the General 
has taken. 
Ry. Thanks, gentlemen, for the information. General Bragg 



40 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

will be glad to learn that Grant intends an attack soon. You 
had better examine the hollow trees before holding your private 
councils under their shade. Won't it be as good as a victory 
when I return and tell General Bragg that I have put a quietus 
on the lips of that stealthy Yankee spy, George Webb ? There 
is no use of talking, I must close up my business in this part 
of Yankeedom and get out. I can dodge solid shot from big 
guns, shells, grape, and canister or minie-balls, but dera my 
buttons, when a woman vents her spite on me and unlimbers 
her tongue, I begin to feel weak in the knees. It's very evi- 
dent she knew what she was talking about, but how in thunder 
she got my history down so fine is more than I can fathom. 

Enter Pat., r. 1 e., with gun. Sees Ryon and stops. 

Pat. Hullo, there, ye auld booby. Phy didn't ye stop till 
the house there whoile Oi got the sojers ? 

Ry. Because the lady found me to be a friend of the fam- 
ily and let me go. Where's that pistol you took from my 
pocket ? 

Pat. Bedad, av the lady found ye wor a friend av the family, 
phy didn't she give ye back yer auld pishtol ! 

Ry. I suppose she thought it was yours, and when I came 
away I forgot to ask for it. 

Pat. Well, sor, here's yer auld gun. It's no use to me whin 
Oi can capture a mon wid a whiskey-bottle. (Oives pistol.) 

Ry. ( taking pistol). Thank you. Where do j^ou belong ? 

Pat. Oi belong to home, soi", but Oi got grafted, and had to 
come till the war. 

Ry. Don't you like military life ? 

Pat. Whin the prowisions are good, Oi don't moind it ; but 
whin a mon has nothin' to ate fer a whole M^ake but three hard 
tacks and a dozen kernils av coffee, excuse me, if ye plaze, 
sor. 

Ry. In what part of the camp do you stop ? 

Pat. Oh, O'im gineril roustabout at Geary's headquarthers. 

Ry. I wish you would promise me not to mention our 
difficulty of last night ; will you ? 

Pat. Shure now, where's the harum, sor. It be only a good 
joke on yersilf. 

Ry. The joke was on you, old boy ; you took me for a 
burglar. 

Pat. So Oi did, sor, an' Oi've not changed me moind yit. 

Ry. {nngry). You Irish fool, do you mean to insinuate 
that I am a thief ? 

Pat. Ye would be av ye were smart enough to shtale widout 
bein' caught. 

Ry. ((T)-aicing pistol). I've a mind to blow the top of your 
head off, you impudent pup. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 41 

Pat. All roight, sor ; av it be a duel ye want, Oi'm yer 
huckleberry. (Steps bach and mixes gun.) 

Ky. {quicMy raising 2nstol). Take that for your impudence ! 
{The pistol fails to go). 

Pat. {laughing loudly). Bedad, sor, yer auld pishtol be no 
good. Oi pulled the plugs all out ruesilf. 

Ry. The devil you did ! 

P.vr. Yis, sor ; an' now it's me turn. {Raising gun.) Moind 
yer eye. 

Ry. {raising both hands). For heaven's sake, man, don't 
shoot me ! 

Pat. Hould yer jaw, sor ; ye wad have shown no mercy to 
me if yer auld pishtol had wint off. Now, Oi'm goin' to pay 
ye off in yer own money, ye dirthy coward. 

Ry. {dropping 0)1 l-nees). Oh, sir, please don't shoot ! Think 
of my wife and family. 

Pat. Does ye want ter leave ony word fer thim ? 

Ry. Please don't shoot ; they need my support. Think of 
your own loved ones. 

Pat. Bedad, Oi have none since Biddy Bean wint back on 
me entoirely. {Loicering his gun.) Oi ought to have yer hide 
fer a scarecrow to warn all poor divils like you not to fool wid 
an Oirishman. 

Ry. Please let me go. 

Pat. On one condition, sor. ' 

Ry. Yes ; what is it ? 

Pat. That ye beg moy forgiveness, sor. 

Ry. Yes, yes ; I do, a thousand times. 

Pat. Stand up, sor. Now, who be a dirthy divil (Ryon 
hesitates, Pat brings gun to his eye.) 

Ry. I am. 

Pat. "Who be a gintleman, sor. 

Ry. You are. 

Pat. Now, sor, yez may go, but moind ye, thenixt toime ye 
give me ony av yer lip Oi'U have this auld gun loaded, be 
jabers ! 

Ry. What ! isn't that gun loaded ? 

Pat. No, sir ; it's loike yer auld pishtol — no good, 

Ry. Curse you I Fll be even with you yet. 

Pat. Be aisy wid yer tongue now. Oi've heard av empty 
guns killing varmints loike yersilf. {2\ikcs a cartridge from 
pocket and tosses to Ryon.) There be the plug Oi tuk from 
yer pishtol, sor. 

Ry. Where are the other four ! 

Pat. In yer pishtol, sor. Good day, sor. 

[Shoulderx gun and exits, l. 1. e, 

Ry. (stands spellbound looking at pistol). Well, dern my ])ut- 
tons, if that ain't a fact ! Had I pulled on him again he would 
have been a dead Irishman. Knowledge is power sometimes, 



43 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

but of liite sad experience seems to be my teacher. Never 
mind, I may get a crack at that "bog trotter" before I leave 
here, and if I do he'll bite the dust. {Looks off r., shading his 
eyes icith hands.) Ah ha ! I'm in luck. Here comes George 
Webb, the Union spy. He must not see me here, for I think 
he's on to my time. (Steps behind tree, R. 2 e., soft music. 
After a pause George y^¥.B^ enters, r. 1 e., close ly tree, dressed 
in citizeii's clothes. He saunters slowly along, loohing' at an open 
letter in his hand. When about four feet from tree Ryon springs 
foricard and strikes Webb in back [supposed to be tcith tknife], at 
same time exclaiming : " Take that, you blasted Yankee spy !" 
Webb utters one cry, " Oh !" then falls on one knee, then to stage, 
face down, dead. Ryon throios knife on ground beside Webb, 
and takes letter from Webb's hand, looks closely at it, then puts 
it in pocket. At the same time that Ryon stabs Webb, Char- 
ley Wood comes on at r. u. e., and is an eye-witness to the 
whole and speaks as Ryon jmts letter in pocket. ) 

Chas, Mr. Ryon, none but a coward would stab a man in the 
back. I shall report you to General Geary. 

Ry. {catching him by throat.) You will, eh ? I'll teach you 
to dog my tracks. 

Chas. {trying to loosen Ryon's hands). Oh, please don't ! 
You will kill me. {Struggles.) 

Ry, I expect to kill you, you little devil. ( Pushes him back 
on ground.) 

Chas. Oh {struggles) mother! {Becomes tin conscious.) 

Ry. {straightening up>). I didn't mean to kill the rascal, but 
there is one satisfaction; he won't ever squeal on me. (Takes 
Charley on shoulder, and exits, r. u. e. Soft music.) 

Enters Captain Danvers, r. 1 e. ; discovers body. 

Capt. D. What's this ? A dead citizen ! (Picks up knife.) 
Why, that looks like my knife ! Great heavens, it is ! there's 
my name on the blade ! But v/hy should it be here, and who 
is this poor, unfortunate man ? (Turns body over.) Oh, God, 
it's Webb ! (Puts hand on hea,rt.) This is treachery. Speak, 
George, and tell me who has done this dastardly act ! 

Enter Colonel Jones, l. c. ; stops short in surpirise. 

Col. J. Why, Captain Danvers, is this you ? For God's 
sake, what have you done ? (Captain Danvers rises icith 
knife still in his hand and stands, as if appalled, looking at ths 
body. Starts as Colonel Jones sjjeaks a^ain.) Speak, sir! 
Why have you done this ? 

Capt. D. Colonel Jones, have you the effrontery to even in- 
timate that this is my work ? 

Col. J. Give me that knife, sir. 

Capt. D. I decline to do so. 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 43 

Col. J. (drairing mcord). I demand it. (Captain Danvers 
gires Inife.) Now your explanation of this affair. 

Capt. D. Colonel, you are laboring under a grave mistake. 
Before God, I deny having any hand in this foul murder or 
any knowledge of who was the perpetrator. 

Col. J. {looking at knife). Your name is on this knife. 

Capt. D. Yes, sir; it is my stiletto. 

Col. J. Have you loaned it to any one ? 

Capt. D. No, sir; I never lend it. 

CoL. J. Isn't this the instnmient which did that murder ? 

Capt. D. I will explain what I know. 

Enter Rton, r. 1 e., with field-glass ; speaks quicJcly. 

Ry. So will I, sir. I saw this man strike George Webb in 
the back. 

Capt. D. 'Tis false ! Who are you ? 

Ry. Oh, it's no matter who I am ! You can't bluff me ; I 
saw you stab that man. 

Col. J. Why didn't you interfere, sir ? 

Ry. I was too far off. 

Col. J. Where were you ? 

Ry. (pointing, r.). On the summit of yonder hill, sir, look- 
ing through my glass. 

Capt. D. {to Ryon). I am unarmed and unable to defend 
myself against your dastardly insults ; but mind you, sir, I'll 
re])ay you with interest, whoever you are. 

Ry. {snapping fingers at Captain Danvers). That for your 
braggart threats ; I shall not screen you. 

Col. J. {to Rvon). Go and explain this matter to General 
Geary, and tell him I remain here subject to his orders. 

[ Ryon salutes and exits, L. 

Capt. D. I will state this matter to the General myself. 
{Starts to go, l. Colonel Jones steps in front of him.) 

Col. J. On the contrary, sir, you will remain where you are 
till further orders. 

Capt. D. Colonel Jones, are you bereft of all reason, and 
do you think for a moment that I would kill my own friend ? 
{Kneels Reside body.) Oh, George, comrade, unclose those sealed 
lips and come to my rescue! {Puts luuidkerchief to face and re- 
mains motionless for some time. Soft, low music.) 

Enter Grace Wood, r. 1 e. Colonel Jones 7-aises hat. 

Grace. Excuse me, sir. Do I intrude ? 

Col. J. No, madam. We have a very unfortunate occur- 
rence. 

Capt, D. {looking up). Why, Grace, is it you ? {Rising.) 

Grace {coming to his side). Captain Danvers, what has hap- 
pened ? 



44 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Capt. D. (^j?<^^i«<7 arm around waist). Some one has mur- 
dered my frieiid, Webb. 

Grace. Murdered! Oh, Captain, who can be the guilty 
wretch who has done this ? Poor fellow ! 

Capt. D. Grace, my dear girl, I dislike to tell you that I am 
accused of being the murderer. 

Grace. You! {Throwing arms about his neclc.) Oh, Cap- 
tain Danvers! 

Capt. D. Grace, I am innocent of the charge. 

Grace. All the world could not make me believe you guilty. 
You are too noble to commit an act so low, "Who are your 
accusers ? I will face them with you, 

Capt. D. {'pointing to Colonel Jones). There is one who 
believes me guilty. 

Grace {to Colonel Jones). "Will you oblige me with your 
proofs, sir ? 

Col. J. The evidence is very strong, madam ; but I have 
neither time nor desire to parley with a woman. 

Grace. "Which fact alone brands you as a coward ! 

Capt. D. Please, Grace, say no more. I am in a critical 
condition, but hope to extricate myself after seeing my gen- 
eral. How did you happen here ? 

Grace. "We all came down to see father and brother, who 
with mother have gone home. I sent Charley to tell you to 
come home for early tea ; I so want you to meet papa and 
Fred. Charley was gone so long that I came to find him. 
Have you seen him ? 

Capt. D. No, I have not. And, my dear Grace, it will be ' 
impossible to grant y<5ur request after this unhappy event, 

Grace. Why, captain, they will not detain you, I am sure ! 

Capt. D. I hope you predict right, Grace. 

Grace. General Grant has promised to send mother and 
Charley and myself North. Father and brother are to enlist 
in the Union army. 

Capt. D. That is good news, indeed, and almost causes me 
to forget my dilemma. When do you start ? 

Grace. Papa said we would be ready by Monday ; but I can 
never think of going while this cloud hangs over you. 

Capt. D. My dear girl, you could lend me no assistance, 
and I shall feel much more composed knowing you are safe 
from harm. 

Enter Jumbo with three other soldiers carrying a stretcher, tchich 
tliey lower beside the body. 

JuM. {giving letter to Colonel Jones). Dis yar am from 
Gineril Geary, sah. 
Col. J. l^reads aloud). 
Colonel Jones : See that the body of George Webb is 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 45 

brought to my headquarters at once, and Captain Danvers 
placed under arrest and taken to the guard-house to await fur- 
ther examination on the charge of wilful murder. 

General Geart. 

Col. J. {1o Captain Danvers). You hear this order, sir ? 

Capt. D. Yes, sir. I am ready. {Men put body on stretcher 
and stand re^dy for orders.) 

Grace (dinging to Captain Danvers). Oh, I cannot let 
them take you in this cruel, unsatisfactory manner! {To Colo- 
nel Jones.) Colonel Jones, if you had one spark of manhood 
you would stand by the captain and help him to explain this 
matter. Please, sir, may I accompany you to General Geary ? 
I am sure he will listen to reason. 

Col. J. Sorry I can't grant the request, madam. {To 
Captain Danvers.) Come, sir, arc you ready ? 

Capt. D. Yes, sir. 

Grace. Oh, captain, must it be so ? 

Capt. D. I must go, dear; it is the general's orders. {Kisses 
her forehead, then loosens arms.) 

Grace. No, no, it must not be so! You are innocent. 
{Places hand to head, then faints, but is held from falling by Cav- 
TAiN Danvers.) 

Capt. D. Poor child, this is too much for your poor, tired 
nerves I 

Col. J. {to men). Attention ! (Men lift stretcher. Colonel 
Jozies strikes a jjosition, c, leith fnger ■pointing in direction of 
stretcher, l. c. To Captain Danvers, r. c.) Captain Dan- 
vers, fall in and follow the body of your victim to headquarters. 
{Picture.) 

Curtain. 



46 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



ACT IV. 



SCENE, — Headquarters o/" General Geary, either in the same 
old shop, or it may he in front of a large tent showing from 
left side of stage, and showing landscape background, and 
field of tents on hack drop, one or tino of the nearest tents to he 
real ones, made to match the painted ones, with soldiers sleep- 
ing here and there hi/ the tents ; camp fire, etc., canvp stools, 
table, etc., as in Act I. As curtain rises Pat is discov- 
ered, drilling Jumbo and the other colored people in manual of 
arms. Tliey stand in line on left of stage, facing K. Pat 
in front of them, r. 

Pat. Now, thin, come to attintion. 

JuM. Yas, sah ; we is. 

Pat. Shoulder arms, sor ! (Jumbo, %oho stands at order arms, 
hrings his gun up as one tooidd shoulder an axe, and as he does so 
the butt strikes Pat on the nose, loho drops sword and puts both 
hands to hisface. He should have small sponge ready in palm of 
his left Jiand saturated with red liquid or carmine, which will 
smear his nose and face like blood.) Och, ye black haythen fool, 
Oi've a moind to break yer jaw, so Oi am ! 

[Exits, L., holding nose. 

JuM. (looking after him, and stepping out r. , tohere Pat had 
stood, jyicks ap sword). Dat ole snoozer doau know nuffin' 'bout 
dis yar business. De place fer a officer am behine a tree ef he 
doan want ter git hurt. Now, gemen, I show yo' how ter use 
de gun accawdin' ter de military taxes. De fust odah I gib ter 
am, Take down youah guns ! (They lower their guns to order 
arms.) Dat am splendiferous. Now, de nex' word I pronounce 
ter yo' am (goes to extreme r. of stage, as if afraid of getting hurt, 
and calls), ^\io\x\dtiV guns, sah! (They shoulder as at first, Svsni- 
BO coming hack.) Now, dat am good, an' nobody hurt. Now, 
de nex' commandment am, Ally man lef! Now put youah gun 
on de oder side ob youah head, like dis. (Shows with sioord. They 
imitate.) Now den. Present youah guns! Stick em out, likeyo' 
war gwan ter gib em ter me. (They do so.) Oh, I doan want 
'em! Yo' jes' hole 'em dar. Now, Uncover! Dat means take 
'em back by de sideob ye. (They do so.) Now, den. Round 
about face! (They turn, some facing the audience and .tome the 
hack of stage.) No, sah; dat ain't right. (Turns then all to 
face back.) Now, when I pronounce de commandment, Squar' 
about face! yo' mus' all turn right de oder way. Now, den, 
Squar' about face! (They face about to audience.) Now, Watch 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE, 47 

youah gineril! Roun' about face! {They turn square about, 
facing hack.) Dat's good. Now, Forward, march! {They 
march to back of stage.) Cross obor! {They turn and cross to 
R.) Swing youah pardners! {They turn and march doicn front.) 
Swing agin ! ( They turn and march across to centre front. ) Stop ! 
( They halt.) Now, don, Honah youah pardner. {They all face 
audience.) Git ready! Take aim! Fiah! {As ivuRO c(dls tJte 
word "fre.'^ the qua/'fette should be ready to sing immediately, re 
covering their guns at the first icord.) 

Hail to de cap'n ! 

We'ze in dc line ob battle. 
Doau ye heah de cannon boom? 

Doan ye heah dc bullets rattle? 
Doan ye heah de dogs a comin' ? 

We will shoot 'em froo an' froo. 
An' we'ze gwan ter steal dc chickins 

Fer ter feed de boys in blue. 

They face left as they sing chorus, march to left side, tJien turn and 
march up to back of stage, then to c, lohenall twrn front and 
march down four abreast to front of stage. 

Chorus. 

Den, tramp, tramp, tramp, 

We am de Puukin Blossoms; 
We'ze gwan ter lebe de cotton fields, 

Likewise de coon an' possum ; 
We'ze gwan to learn to tight wid guns, 

Dat's jes' wliat we'ze about, 
An' we'll tramp all ober Dixie 

Till we whip de rebels out. 

Hail ter Massa Lincum, 

Who will liberate de niggahs. 
Hail to Massa Gineril Grant, 

AVho smokes de bes' of sigers! 
Hail ter de boys in blue ! 

Dey nebber hab no feah, 
Kaze dey belong to de Sebenty-third ' 

Ohio Volunteers. {^Chorus. 

March the same as before, exce})t to halt lohen coming down the stage 
four abreast, in centre, and each one faces to a coinier of the 
"stage, and at a signal given ky Jumbo, who stands tip c, 
they each march to a corner and inward face, as if ou guard, 
where they remain till end of scene. 



48 ' THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Enter General Geary and staff. General Geary sits at 
table, and staff sit or stand at loill. 

Gen. G. {to orderly). Go to the guard-house and bring Cap- 
tain Danvers to me. [ Orderly salutes and exits, L. c. 

Enter Colonel Jones, l. c. ; salutes. 

Gen. G. Colonel, have you the letter -which you found in 
the Captain's possession ? 

Col. J. Yes, sir. I have the letter and also the knife. 
{Lays hoth an table.) 

Gen. G. Colonel, I wish you vrould read that letter to these 
gentlemen. 

CoL. J. {taTces u]) letter and reads aloud). 

Lookout Mountain, October 4, 1863. 

To Captain Danvers, U. 8, A. 

Dear Sir and Friend : I have just learned of your being 
wounded, and shall not expect our interview to take place as 
we had planned. However, I am going to ask your assistance 
in a seemingly small matter, though of great moment to me 
and my army. There is connected with Grant's army, and I 
think located with the Seventy-third Ohio, one George Webb, 
now acting as a Federal spy. Said Webb manages, in some 
adroit manner, to enter our lines every few days and carry 
back to the Federals valuable information of our plans, to our 
great detriment and discomfiture. He has been captured by 
my men several times, but manages in some way to slip through 
our fingers each time. Fully appreciating the favors from you 
in the past, we wish to draw on your generosity once more by 
asking you to down, in whatever way you think most proper, 
this wily Yank, who is such a source of annoyance to us, 
at the same time reassuring you that your efforts in that di- 
rection will be highly appreciated and richly rewarded by the 
Confederate Government. 

Hoping you may see your way clear to assist us, I remain, 
as ever, 

Your true friend, 

Maj. -General Braxton Bragg, C, S. A. 

P.S. — Please receipt to bearer for this letter, that we may 
know it reached you in safety. B. B. 

Gen. G. What explanation does Danvers make to that 
letter ? 

CoL. J. He claims to have no knowledge of the letter or how 
it came in his possession. 

Gen. G. I am astonished at these terrible pi'oceedings. I 
would have staked my honor on the integrity of Captain Dan- 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 49 

vers. When such men as he turn traitors, who can we trust ? 
I hope the Captain will be able to throw some light on the 
subject and exonerate himself. 

Enter orderly, l. c, followed by Captain Danvers, tcho salutes 
General Geary, who, in turn, motions him to a seat other 
side of table. Captain Danvers sits. 

Gen. G. {after a long pause). Captain Danvers, these are 
grave charges brought against you. What have you to say for 
yourself ? 

Capt. D. May I ask who preferred these charges and what 
are they ? 

Gen. G. Captain Danvers, you are charged by Colonel Jones 
with the wilful murder of George Webb, and with treason in 
assisting the enemy and receiving incendiary letters from rebel 
commanders. 

Capt. D. (rising). General, I most emphatically deny the 
whole charge, and request that you proceed at once with the 
alleged proof. 

Gen. G. {to orderly). Go, summon Lawrence DeWitt ; you 
will find him at Captain Luca's tent. {Orderly exits, l. c.) 
Colonel Jones, what knowledge have you of this crime ? 

Col. J. {rising). On Tuesday of last week, I started to go 
over to where the Thirty-third Massachusetts are camped, and 
when passing through the timber just east of the trenches, I 
came suddenly upon this man, Captain Danvers, kneeling be- 
side the dead body of George Webb. In one hand he held 
this knife {jioitits to or jmH uj) knife from taile), still dripping 
with the life blood of the murdered man, while with the otht r 
hand he was searching the innei* pockets of Webb's coat. 
This knife, as you will see, has the name of Captain Danvers 
on the handle. (Sits. ) 

Gen. G. Captain Danvers, what have you to say of this letter 
which Colonel Jones found in your possession, and also these 
charges as preferred by him ? 

Capt. D. (rising). General, I have no knowledge of where 
that letter came from or how it chanced to be found in my 
possession. I admit that he found it in the pocket of my coat. 
I also admit that he found me kneeling by the body of We])b, 
but I deny that I was searching his pockets. I was trying to 
ascertain if his heart had ceased its beating. 

Gen. G. Did you have the knife in your hand, as was 
stated ? 

Capt. D. Yes, sir ; that is true. M. had just picked it up 
from the ground, and was greatly surprised to find it was my 
own stiletto, which I supposed was in ray pocket. General, 
there is some deep treachery somewhere. 

Gen. G. So I perceive by the contents of this letter. 



50 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Enter orderly with Eton, l. c, who crosses and sits, k. c. Rton 
should show signs of nervousness. 

Capt. D. I know no more of the origin of that letter than 
you do. It's my opinion that there's a scheming devil some- 
where in this matter, who is trying to ruin me. 

Gen. G. We will listen to any theory you may advance, Cap- 
tain. No one would feel more gratified, than I to see you ex- 
onerated from these charges, though frankly. Captain Dan- 
vers, judging from what I have seen and heard, I believe you 
to be guilty of both murder and treason, as charged. {To 
Ryon.) Mr. DeWitt, what do you know of this matter ? 

Ry. I was returning from the errand on which you sent 
me, and while on the summit of the first hill toward Brown 
Ferry, and looking over the country with my glass, I espied a 
Union soldier and a man in the garb of a citizen, who were 
gesticulating as if in a quarrel. Suddenly I saw this man 
draw a knife from under his coat, and strike the other in the 
back as he was turning to leave. I immediately ran down to 
the scene, and on my arrival I found this man (pointing to 
Captain Danvers) kneeling beside the body of his victim, 
still holding the knife with which he had committed the deed. 
Colonel Jones had reached the place before me, and was talk- 
ing to the murderer when I arrived. 

Capt. D. Are you sure, sir, that I am the man whom you 
saw quarrelling with the citizen while looking through your 
glass ? 

Ry. I am, sir ; and I remember distinctly seeing that bandage 
on your arm. 

Gen. G. {to Ryon). What did you say to him on your ar- 
rival ? 

Ry. I told him I had been an eye-witness to his crime. He 
denied the fact, and demanded to know who I was. Then 
Colonel Jones sent me to you. 

Gen. G. Captain Danvers, what do you say in answer to this 
testimony ? 

Capt. D. Simply, sir, that it is a base fabrication, and I in- 
sist on knowing who is this witness. 

Gen. G. His name is Lawrence DeWitt ; further than that 
wo have reasons for not enlightening you. Have you anytliing 
further to say in your own defence ? 

Capt. D. General, I have stated all I know of this matter; 
fate seems to be against me. I can only repeat that I am in- 
nocent of this crime. 

Gen. G. {I'ising). Captain Danvers, we ought to make an ex- 
ample of you by hanging you to the first tree. The evidence 
against you is conclusive, and I shall send 3'ou to Washington 
at once to be dealt with according to the laws of our country. 
Colonel Jones, place this man under a strong guard, and see 



THE MIDNIGHT CIIAIIGK. 51 

that no one is allowed to coinmunicate with him till further 
orders. 

Enter Pat, l. c. ; salutcti. 

Pat. Av ye ])laze, gineril, there be a lady outside phat wants 
to spake wid yer highness. 

Gen. G. Tell the lady I will see her presently. 

[Pat exits, l. c. 

Capt. D. General, I hardly know what to say of this affair. 
The evidence certainly places me in a very unfavorable light, 
without the shadow^ of a chance to establish my innocence. 

Enter Grace Wood, i.. c. 

Grace. Please excuse me, general, for entering unbidden. 
!My object is to furnish proof of Captain Danvers' innocence. 
(.-Ls Grace enters, Ryon turns Ms face away to conceal his iden- 
titt/, and sh&uld apj>ear more nervous as the evidence against him 
deepens.) 

Gen. G. Then you are a welcome visitor, Miss Wood. Please 
be seated. 

Grace. Thank you ; I ])refer to stand. Is it true that you 
bi lieve Captain Danvers to be the assassin who killed George 
AVebb ? 

Gen. G. We do. Have you evidence to the contrary ? 

Grace. I have. {Points to "Ryos.) There stands the villain 
■who did the deed. 

Gen. G. Do you mean Lawrence DeWitt ? 

Grace. No, sir; Dick Kyon, the rebel spy. 

Ry. {clinching Jist). Have a care, Grace Wood. 

Grace. General, will you kindly oblige me by sending for 
Sister Alice ? 

Gen. G. {irrites on card and gives to orderly). Take this to 
Sui-geon Copeland at the hospital, and return immediately with 
Sister Alice. [Orderly tales card, salutes, and exits, l. c. 

Ry. General, if you will allow me to go to my tent, I will 
produce further evidence in this matter. 

Gen. G. If you have more evidence, why did you not bring 
it with you ? 

Ry. I forgot it, sir. 

Gen. G. There is plenty of time if more evidence is needed. 
You had better stay where joxi are. 

Grace. General, may I see the letter which I understand was 
allegod to have come from General Bragg, and found on the 
cajjtaiii's ])erson ? 

Gen. G. Certainly; here it is. {Gives letter.) 

Grace tnl-es letter ; lool's at it caref ally for a long pause. Ryon 
watches her closely, and starts ax she takes a small package of 
letters from her pocket or hand-bag, and gives them to Gen- 
eral Geary with the other. 



52 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

Grace. General Geary, licre are some old letters written by 
tliat scoundrel, Ryon. Will you please compare the hand- 
writing ? 

Ry. {hisses). Fiend! 

Gen. G. (after comjyaring icriting, rising). They are one and 
the same. Colonel Jones, you will j^lace this man under 
arrest. 

Ry. {starting, l. c). Not if I can help it. 

JuM. {who stands l. c, quickly brings his musl-et down to charge 
hciTjonets). Stand back, sah, fo' yo' git de Punkin Blossom Club 
arter yo'. {Forces Ryon bach to flace. Colonel Jones crosses 
and stands by Ryon.) 

Chas. {heard outside). Please, sir, I wish to see General 
Geary. 

Pat {outside). But45^e can't, sor. The gineril be busy. 

Chas. But, sir, I must see him. I have important uews. 

Grace {e.ceitedly catching general's arm). Oh, sir, that is my 
brother, who disappeared so mysteriously. May he come in ? 

Gen. G. Certainly ; I will get him. {Goes to l. c. and calls 
to Pat.) Let the boy pass, sir. 



Enter Charley Wood, l. c, id ith hair dishevelled, clothes torn, 
face verij dirty, and several large scratches on. cheek and fore- 
head. Grace meets him at entrance, andthrows arms around 
him: 

Grace. Oh, brother Charley, are you really alive ? We have 
looked everywhere for you. 

Chas. (feebly). Not everywhere, Grace. You didn't look in 
Nickajack Cave or you would have found me ; but oh, sister, 
I'm so hungry. 

Grace (bringing him to a seat). Why, brother, how dread- 
fully you look ! What were you doing at Nickajack Cave ? 

The men all appear interested in Charley, ajid Ryon, pe)reiving 
he is not watched, springs to l. c. again, but is metby Jumbo, 
inho forces him bach. 

JuM. Yo' ole 'possum, git back dar else I'll pin yo' to de 
wall wid dis yar baynet. 

Col. J. (to Ryon). Now, sir, if you dare to move again I'll 
not be responsible for your life. 

JuM. Let de Punkin Blossom take car ob him, boss. 

CoL. J. All right, Jumbo, and if he attempts to escape, fill 
him with lead. 

JuM. Yas, sah. {To Ryon.). You see dat ole gun, sah ? Dat am 
loaded fo' bar. I'ze got two poun" of ])owdah an' forty bullets 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 53 

down dat hole, so yo' jes bettah look out fo' yerself, kazo ef 
yo' try to run yous a dead niggah. 

{During tlie above dialogue Grace and Charley should be am- 
tersing very loio with each other.) 

Grace. Why did you go so far from home, Charley ? 

Chas. I was compelled to go there by an old man in whose 
hands I was placed by Mr. Ryon. 

Gen. G. What is that, my boy ? Do you say that man 
{points to Ryon) comj^elled you to go to the cave ? 

CuAS. Yes, sir ; but I am so hungry I don't know as I can 
explain it to you. 

Gen. G. Jumbo, go to the cook tent and get a lunch for the 
lad. 

Grace. Excuse me, general, I think he had better go direct- 
ly home. Mother will know beat what to do for him. 

Gen. G. You are quite right, Miss Wood. {To orderly.) See 
that an ambulance report here at once. {Orderly salutes and 
exits, L. c.) Now, my boy, can you 'explain this matter? 
Do you know why this man took you away ? 

CiiAS. Yes, sir. I was coming through the woods near the 
trenches, and I ran onto Mr. Ryon just in time to see him stab a 
man. Thismade him very angry, because I said I would report 
him to General Geary. Then he choked me. That was the 
last I remembered till I awoke and found myself outside the 
Union lines with an old man who made me walk to Nickajack 
Cave. The next day Mr. Ryon came and brought some hard- 
tack, and he gave the old man a letter and told him to take me 
over to Wheeler's camp. Then he left, after calling me all the 
bad names he could think of. That night, while the old man 
was sleeping soundly, I managed to get untied, and stealing 
the letter from the old man, I ran away. He awoke when I 
was leaving and started after me, but the night was very dark, 
and in his haste he fell into Nickajack Creek ; then I took ad- 
vantage of the situation and hurried away. And I have been 
walking and skulking ever since, and I have had nothing 
to eat since I left there three days ago. 

Gen. G. My boy, you have done nobly. Your presence of mind 
would do credit to much older heads. Have you the letter 
which you took from the old man ? 

Chas. {producing letter). Yes, sir ; here it is. {Gives letter.) 

Gen. G. {takes letter and looks at it ; then hands it to Colonel 
Jones). Colonel Jones, read that letter aloud, that these 
people may know what a black-hearted scoundrel we have 
here. 

Col. J. {takes letter and reads alotid). 

Wheeler. 
Dear Sir : For certain reasons which I will explain later I 



64 THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 

wish the lad whom the bearer of this note will deliver to you 
to be placed in 8ome safe confinement and well cared for until 
further notice from me. I have just put an end to the earthly 
career of one of Grant's pet Yankee spies, which fact Bragg 
will be pleased to know. I shall remain with the Yanks for 
a few days yet, unless it gets too hot for me, in which case I 
will join you. I have now other fish to fry, and must go and 
catch them. Yours in haste, 

Dick Ryon, C. S. A. 

Gen. G. Jumbo, go to one of the supply wagons and get us 
a stout rope. 

JuM. Yas, sah. {To Ryon.) Now, ole man, yo' see yo' 
am goin' to a necktie party. [Exits, L. c. 

Gen. G. Well, sir, have you anything to say in your own de- 
fence ? 

Ry. General, I am fairly caught in 'the trap I laid for Cap- 
tain Danvers. I have no apology to make ; if I had it would 
avail me nothing. {Enter Sister Alice, with orderly. Gen- 
eral Geary raises hat and offers her his seat, irhich she takes. 
Ryon continues.) I committed the deed thinking it a favor 
to the Confederacy. I admit that even as a loyal Southerner 
and spy I have overstepped the chivalric line by allowing my 
jealous passions to overrule my better judgment. I refer to 
the cloud which I tried to throw over Captain Danvers' life, 
because he was my rival and had won the aflfections of Miss 
Wood, although I confess she never encouraged my suit. Cap- 
tain Danvers is entirely innocent of the crime. The knife 
with which I did the work I stole from his coat, and placed 
therein the letter from Bragg, which I wrote to throw suspi- 
cions on the captain. You know the rest, sirs, and will deal 
with me as I deserve. I will accept the decree without a mur- 
mur. 

Gen. G. Have you no word you wish to leave for your 
family ? 

Ry. General, I had a wife, a loving and confiding compan- 
ion until I drove her from me. She was a Unionist to the 
heart's core, which greatly angered me, and I continued to tor- 
ture her with harsh words and even blows, until one day I left 
her alone, sick and destitute, and joined Wheeler's raiders. 
The pangs of death would be slight if I could only see her one 
moment and ask her forgiveness. 

Enter Jumbo, l. c, with a piece of tico or three-inch rope. 

JuM. Har it am, boss. 
Gen. G. Is that the best you can do ? 
JuM. Dat am de bigges' one I can fine, gineril. 
Gen. G. Sister Alice, we expected to use your testimony in 
this case, but it will not be necessary. Colonel Jones, you will 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 55 

procure a proper rope, and see that Dick Ryon is immediately 
huug by tlie neck till he is dead. 

Ry. General, will you not give me a few hours to prepare 
for eternity ? 

Gen. G. Sir, did you give George Webb time to say a 
prayer ? 

Ry. (dropping his head, exclaims) Retribution I 

Sister A. General Geary, have you found me faithful to my 
trust at the hospital ? 

Gen. G. We have, Sister Alice. Surgeon Copeland speaks 
in highest terms of your work. 

Sister A. Am I deserving of any favors from you ? 

Gen. G. You certainly are. What can Ave do for you ? 

Sister A. That instead of hanging this man he be sent to 
Washington as a prisoner of war. 

Gen. G. We are fully aware, Sister Alice, that your sym- 
pathies are always with those in trouble, and we honor you for 
it; but this is a very aggravated case, and demands quick justice. 

Sister A. Please, general, if you hope to be forgiven in the 
great hereafter, allow this man proper time for repentance. 
I have personal reasons for asking the favor. 

Gen. G. Will you explain your personal reasons ? 

Sister A. I beg you, general, do not ask them. 

Gen. G. Sister Alice, I am compelled to refuse your request 
unless your reasons are known. 

Sister A. {throwing off disguise). General Geary, I am his 
wife ! (Ry'on turns back (nu! puts handkerchief to his face.) 

Gen. G. You are a worthy woman, and your wish shall be 
granted. 

Ry. (comes over and kneels at Sister Alice's j'eet). Oh, Alice, 
will you forgive me ? 

Sister A. Stand up, sir ! I have saved your life that you 
may prepare for death. Never can you find a place in my 
heart. You have proved yourself unworthy of a woman's love. 

Gen. G. Captain Danvers, I owe you an apology that can 
never be expressed in words. 

Capt. D. General, I hold no enmity to any one. You did 
what loyal men and true would do. In this severe trial I have 
learned that stronger than grape and canister is the love of a 
true woman. 

Gen. G. Captain, let me congratulate you on the merits of 
this brave little woman who has saved your life. 

Capt. D. (taking Grace bi/ the hand). I shall never forget 
this hour, and when this cruel war is over 1 will devote my 
time in trying to make her happy. 

JuM. Hurrah fo' de Punkin Blossom Club ! 

Ch\s. (standing up). Mr. Ryon, please let me know what day 
you will be at home to callers in your new quarters at Wash- 
ington, and I'll call — after I have had all I want to eat. 



56 



THE MIDNIGHT CHARGE. 



Grace. Charley, please don't. 

Ry. {rising and holding out ioth hands to Sister Alice). 
Alice, I can't live without you ; won't you forgive me ? 

Sister A. Ask forgiveness of Him who has the power to for- 
give. Go to your prison cell, and in solitude repent and ponder 
over your past mad career. My heart is with the suffering 
Union soldiers, and I shall remain with the army and help to 
alleviate the sufferings of those who fall in the trenches. {Pic- 
ture.) 



Curtain. 



p. c. * * 

Capt. D. 

* * 

Grace. 



Staff. 



Table. 



Chas. Gen. G. 



Col. J. 



JtTMBO. 



Ryon. 



Sister A. 



PuNKiN Blossom 
Members P. C. 



p. c. 
* 



FRENCH S DESCRIPTm; LIST. 




PROSCENIUM AND DROP SCENE. 

^^^^C^SOXS^TXTTIkXa— A most effectire Proscenium can b« 
formed by utilizing the paper mad« for this purpose. Three pieces ot wood are merely 
required, shaped according to this design, and covered with the paper ; the proscenium 
having the appearanc* of light blue puSed satin panels, In gold frames, with Siuike- 
speare medallion in the centre. 

Puffed satin paper, Light Blue, size SO inches by 30 inches, per sheet, 36 cts. 

Imitation Gold Bordering, per sheet, 25c., making 14 feet. 

Shakespearian Medallion, 18 inches in diameter, 50 cts. 



• SIC'ZI^TZSa — The picture shown above is an ninitra. 
tion of this scene. It comprises four sheets of paper which are to be pasted in th« 
•entre ot any sized canvas that may be requisite for the drop curtain. Size 6X ^^et 
by S feet. Price $2.50. 

llQ^^^^XDSa — These comprisa three sheets of paper each, and can b« 
had either for drawing-room or cottage purposes. Size, 7 feet by 3 feet. Price, com- 
plete, $1.25 each. 

'VV Z^n^9C3 \A/'. — This Is a parlor window formed with two sheet* 
of paper, and could be made practicable to slide up and down. The introduction of 
curtains each side would make it very effective. Size, 8 feet by 4}^ feet. Price, 
$1.00, complete. 

I*H3E3Kr01BC X7^IlSr33^>T7f^.— Consisting of four 
sheets of paper, representing a window containing four large ornamental frosted glasa 
panes with colored glaaa around. Size 6>i feet high by 5 feet Price $1.50. 

JPH^ISH^Ij./^O'SMm — This is also made with two sheets af poper. 
The fire is lightetl, biit should this not be required a fire-paper can be hung over it. It 
will be found most useful in many farces wherein a character has to climb up a chim- 
ney, and many plays where a fireplace is Indispensable. By purchasing a door, win- 
dow, and fireplace an ordinary room scene could easily be constructed with the addl- 
tioB of BOUM waU-paper. Sise, A feet by ^ feet. Price, oomplete, (l.SS, 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



015 973 536 9 • 



FRENCH'S ACTING EDITIONS, 



nSTEW I='Ij.^-2'S. 



April Folly 

At Sixes and Sevens 

Barbara 

Baron's Wager 

Betsy 

Bow Bells 

Breach of Promise 

Breaking the Ice 

Brothers (The) 

Bubbles 

By Special Bequest 

Case for Eviction 

Chalk and Cheese 

Chax'ity 

Circumstances Alter Cases 

Confederate Spy 

Comiiromising Case 

Crazed 

Crossed Love 

Dauicheffs 

Dimity's Dilemma 

Dreams 

Duchess of Bayswater & Co 

Duty 

Engaged 

Equals 

False Shame 

Feuuel 

First Mate 

For the Old Love's Sake 

Garden Party 

Garrick (Muskerry) 

George Geith 

Gentle Gertrude Bull 

Girl Graduate 

Girls (The) 

Glimpse of Paradise 



Gretchen 

Harvest Home 

His Own Guest 

Hook and Eye 

In Honor Bound 

Iron Master (Tho) 

Lady Fortune 

Linked by Love 

Long Odds 

Love Game 

Lyrical Lover 

Major and Minoi 

Man Proposes ( Grandy) 

Marble Arch 

Melting Moments 

Merry Meeting 

Mariner's Return 

Miser 

Mouth After Date 

Mv Friend JarVet 

My Little Girl 

My Lord in Livery 

Nearly Seven 

Nearly Severed 

Nettle 

Not Such a Fool, etc. 

Obliging His Landlady 

Oft' Duty 

Old Cronies 

On the Brink 

Once Again 

Once a Week 

Open Gate 

Overland Eoute 

Palmistry 

Petticoat Perfidy 

Pity 



Playmates 

Prompter's Box 

Postscrii)t 

Progress 

Punch 

Kuined by Drink 

Railway Adventure 

Row in the House 

Sample vs. Pattern 

Saved 

Second Thoughts 

Senior Wraugles 

Sins of the Fathers 

Sixpenny Telegram 

Sour Grapes 

Spur of the Moment 

Steejjle Jack 

Step Sister 

Sunny Side 

Sunset 

Sunshine 

Taken by Storm 

Tears: Idle Tears 

That Dieadful Doctor 

The Nightingale 

Thorough Base 

Through the Fire 

Tom Pinch 

True Colors 

Two Pros 

Which 

Why Women Weep 

Woman's Wrongs 

Written in .sand 

YeUow Roses 

Yeoman's Service 



G-UIDE TO SELECTING PLAYS; 

Price 25 Cents. 

Showing how to select Farces, Comedies, Dramas, for Private or Public 
Performance; giving the Number of Characters, the Author's Name, the Scenery, 
Costumes, Time in Representation, and the Plot or Advice, connected with 
1,500 Pieces. 



FRENCH'S PA/RLOR COMEDIES. 

A ne'w series of selected plays for Amateurs. Ten numbers. 

Price, 15 Cents each. 



Guide to Selecting Plays. Hints on Costume. Scenery to Fit any Stage. 

.Tarley's Wax Works, Ethiopian Plays, Charades, Amateur's Guide, 

Guide to the Stage. 

nSTE'V^T" O^A^T.i5k..ILiO(3-TJE SEJSTT IF'IR.EE. 

T. H. FREISrOH. 
28 West 23d St., New lark. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



015 973 536 9 • 



Hollinger Corp. 
pH 8.5 



